The world premiere of Ngapa William Cooper at this year’s Adelaide Festival can best be described as momentous.

Intended as a companion piece to composer Nigel Westlake and singer-songwriter Lior’s Compassion, this powerful new work has been created in collaboration with Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung singer, composer and language activist Dr Lou Bennett, and Sarah Gory, who contributed additional creative lyric content.

Lior in Ngapa William Cooper at UKARIA on 5 March, 2023. Photo © Adam Forte, Daylight Breaks

This confluence of cultures has resulted in a work resonating with Klezmer music from the violin, while Bennett adds the rustling of eucalyptus leaves, which aid spiritual wellbeing and have been added to the percussion section. Sounds reminiscent of clap sticks echo throughout.

A mesmeric opening sees Bennett and Lior standing face to face for an a cappella call to ancestors. Bennett’s rich and assured voice is beautifully paired with the cantor-like singing of Lior, who single-handedly brings the colour of a reed section to Westlake’s orchestration for strings, piano and percussion. Thereafter, the two take turns in carrying the narrative, in what Bennett describes as, “the creative practice of call...