History, memory, power

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) Chamber Ensemble returns to the National Museum of Australia on 28 July for Collective Memory, an incisive program of contemporary classical music exploring history, memory and power.

Programmed by Jessica Cottis, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Collective Memory features Bungaree by Yorta Yorta composer Deborah Cheetham AO, one of Australia’s foremost First Nations artists. The titular Bungaree of the Kuringgai people played a vital but often unacknowledged role in Matthew Flinders’ circumnavigation of Australia.

The CSO Chamber Ensemble will also present Harry Sdraulig’s Speak, which explores domains of language; Yitzhak Yedid’s Lament, In Memoriam of Ora Boasson-Horev for solo viola; and Bardju (Footprints) by local Yuin composer Brenda Gifford.

In a first for the Australian Series, Collective Memory will include a live poetry set performed by Andrew Cox, an Australian / Filipino spoken word artist. Cox is the driving force behind Canberra Slam, a local poetry slam launched in 2022.

The program culminates in a world premiere from Rhyan Clapham a.k.a. DOBBY, a Murrawarri / Filipino rapper, drummer, composer and academic. Titled HISTORY MEMORY POWER, Clapham’s piece explores the notion of truth and how it forms tradition.

‘In this commission, I’ve applied hip hop practice to the world of classical, and through this piece I speak of truth in our nation’s collective memory,’ Clapham said. ‘I’m looking forward to performing this with the ensemble and I’m excited to bring this energy to the concert!’

Patrons will enjoy after hours access to the Great Southern Land exhibition.