In February 2020 Short Black Opera (SBO) and the Australian Tapestry Workshop continued its exciting collaboration to share ‘WOVEN SONG’ with Australian audiences for the first time as part the 2020 Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA).

‘WOVEN SONG’ is contemporary chamber music by Yorta Yorta soprano Deborah Cheetham AO inspired by ATW embassy tapestries. Across three sold out performances, audiences sat amongst the ATW tapestry looms, to hear the acclaimed soprano and leading international musicians perform the first three compositions in the ‘WOVEN SONG’ series: ‘Catching Breath’, ‘Article 21’ and ‘My Mother’s Country’. These compositions were inspired by ATW tapestries designed by Australian Indigenous artists Brook Andrew, Nanyuma Napangati and Daisy Andrews, on display overseas in Australian diplomatic missions.

Joining Cheetham and SBO on stage at the ATW, were international special guests tabla master, Pandit Ashis Sengupta (India), shakuhachi master, Reison Kuroda (Japan), mezzo soprano, Angela Cortez (Singapore) as well as Melbourne-based ensembles Plexus and Rubiks Collective and musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We are delighted to share with you a recording of the performance. Bravo to all involved.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE

CATCHING BREATH
Deborah Cheetham AO, soprano
Angela Cortez (Singapore), mezzo soprano
Zoy Frangos, tenor
Steven Hodgson, baritone
Elizabeth Sellars, violin I
Monica Curro, violin II
Merewyn Bramble, viola
Molly Kadarauch, cello
Toni Lalich OAM, piano
Composed by Deborah Cheetham AO. Inspired by the ‘Catching Breath’ tapestry, 2014, designed by Brook Andrew, handwoven by Chris Cochius, Pamela Joyce and Milena Paplinska at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. ‘Catching Breath is currently on loan to the Australian High Commission, Singapore.

ARTICLE 27
Deborah Cheetham AO, soprano
Pandit Ashis Sengupta (India), tabla
Toni Lalich OAM, piano
Tamara Kohler, flute
Kaylie Melville, percussion
Natasha Fearnside, clarinet
Composed by Deborah Cheetham AO. Inspired by the ‘Untitled (detail from Kiwirrkurra women’s painting)’ tapestry, 2007, designed by Nanyuma Napangati, handwoven by Cheryl Thornton, Mala Anthony, Louise King and Milena Paplinska at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. ‘Untitled (detail from Kiwirrkurra women’s painting)’ is currently on loan to the Australian High Commission to India, New Delhi.

MY MOTHER’S COUNTRY
Deborah Cheetham AO, soprano
Reison Kuroda (Japan), shakuhachi
Monica Curro, violin
Philip Arkinstall, clarinet
Stefan Cassomenos, piano
Composed by Deborah Cheetham AO. Inspired by the ‘Lumpu Lumpu Country’ tapestry, 2004, designed by Daisy Andrews, handwoven by Irja West and Louise King at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. ‘Lumpu Lumpu Country’ is currently on loan to the Australian Embassy to Japan, Tokyo.

Recorded live in concert at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, South Melbourne, on February 15, 2020, by ABC Classic. Producer Jennifer Mills. Engineer Chris Lawson. Videographer Adriane Hayward Video editor Daniel King

Thank you to the Besen Family Foundation, Creative Victoria, City of Port Phillip, Coppersmith Hotel, Elgee Park Wines and Aesop who supported our ‘WOVEN SONG’ Asia TOPA program.

'WOVEN SONG': Australian launch was proudly presented as part of the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts 2020.