Two extraordinary song cycles return to Adelaide Festival in 2024, now accompanied by the full force of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Songwriter Lior and composer Nigel Westlake’s first song cycle, Compassion, premiered at the Sydney Opera House in 2013 and was hailed as an instant classic. It was performed across the country to critical acclaim, including in a chamber version that premiered at the 2018 Adelaide Festival.

Ten years later, they created Ngapa William Cooper with Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung singer, composer and language activist Lou Bennett, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Adelaide Festival, also in chamber form.

For the very first time, orchestral versions of both song cycles are presented together in a one-night-only performance at the 2024 Adelaide Festival. Conducted by Nigel Westlake, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra creates the musical backdrop for the voices of Lior and Lou Bennett.