The Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs Ngapa William Cooper
A Story of Compassion
A rich new collaboration between composer Nigel Westlake, singer/songwriter Lior and language activist Lou Bennett, Ngapa William Cooper is a tribute to the life of Yorta Yorta activist William Cooper.
Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle
The Art House, Wyong
‘A work of both outstanding musical quality and extraordinary cultural significance.’ – Limelight
In 2014, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra joined with composer Nigel Westlake and singer/songwriter Lior to present Compassion – and it proved a huge hit, winning awards and becoming an instant audience favourite. In 2024, the Orchestra reunites with Westlake and Lior for their rich new collaboration with language activist Lou Bennett.
Ngapa William Cooper is a tribute to the life of Yorta Yorta activist William Cooper, an Aboriginal activist who played a pivotal role in establishing equal rights for Aboriginal Australians and led the Australian Aborigine’s League protest against the events of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany.
Sung in English and Yorta Yorta language, this powerful story combines Westlake’s signature rich musical palette with moving vocals from Lior and Bennett to celebrate Cooper’s legacy of resistance, solidarity and empathy.
This performance will also feature Nigel Westlake’s Trumpet Concerto Psyche, written for the Orchestra’s Associate Principal Trumpet Brent Grapes.
PROGRAM
ARVO PÄRT Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
NIGEL WESTLAKE Psyche, Concerto for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra
NIGEL WESTLAKE, LIOR, LOU BENNETT, SARAH GORY Ngapa William Cooper
ARTISTS
NIGEL WESTLAKE conductor
LIOR vocals
LOU BENNETT vocals
ANDREA LAM piano
BRENT GRAPES trumpet
MUSICIANS OF THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY
REGIONAL TOUR PARTNER
Explore more of our Regional Tour in 2024
The Regional New South Wales Tour is driven by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to the accessibility and enjoyment of live symphonic music.
