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. 

‘A work of both outstanding musical quality and extraordinary cultural significance.’ – Limelight

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, written for the Orchestra’s Associate Principal Trumpet Brent Grapes.

PROGRAM

ARVO PÄRT Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten

NIGEL WESTLAKE Psyche Trumpet Concerto 

NIGEL WESTLAKE, LIOR, LOU BENNETT, SARAH GORY Ngapa William Cooper

During the interval, Encore Members and a guest are invited to attend an exclusive Members function with drinks and nibbles included.