A Musical Bridge: Sydney Youth Orchestra Collaborates with Wilcannia Children's Choir

A 70-piece youth orchestra from Sydney traveled to remote New South Wales to perform with a local children's choir established in the town of Wilcannia. The collaboration included a community performance in Wilcannia and a gala concert in Broken Hill, with the events documented for a national television program.

Tour and Performance Details

The Sydney Youth Orchestras undertook its "Big Sky" tour to remote New South Wales. The group, which has operated for over 50 years, traveled by bus for approximately 11 hours from Sydney.

The tour involved a collaboration with the Wilcannia Children's Choir. The choir was formed in 2022 by local children with assistance from school teachers in Wilcannia, a town with a population of 735.

The two groups rehearsed together and exchanged handmade gifts. They performed a joint community event in Wilcannia, followed by a gala concert in Broken Hill.

Performances included:

• "Family Song," written by Barkindji musician Nancy Bates, which incorporates words from the Barkindji language.
• A performance of the song "Rise Up" with local Barkindji singer-songwriter Leroy Johnson at the Broken Hill Gala.

Participant Statements

Participants from both groups commented on the collaboration.

• Demeil, a 15-year-old violinist, stated he was looking forward to meeting new people and connecting through music. He observed children in the choir feeling the music and smiling during performances, describing the experience as "hopeful."

• Imogen, a 14-year-old Barkindji girl and founding choir member, said singing makes her happy. She described Wilcannia as her "Ngamaka," a word she said means motherland. She expressed hope that visitors would learn about local culture and language.
• Olivia, Imogen's 12-year-old sister, said singing in the choir made her feel calm and took away frustrations.
• Zhayle, an 11-year-old choir member, said the choir provides an opportunity to sing, enjoy themselves, and learn Aboriginal words and culture.

• Leroy Johnson, the co-writer of "Rise Up," stated the song is about opposing oppression and using one's voice. He said he felt proud to hear the children from his hometown sing it.
• Karen O'Donnell, a teacher at Wilcannia Central School, said watching the children sing in Language was inspiring.

Media Documentation

The tour was documented by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) program Back Roads. Guest presenter Jeremy Fernandez accompanied the orchestra on the tour. Guest conductor Benjamin Northey was also reported to have participated.

The episode featuring the collaboration is scheduled to air on ABC TV.