Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace

Immerse yourself in the powerful and evocative sounds of "Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace" by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, a groundbreaking composition that made its Sydney premiere at the iconic Sydney Opera House. This extraordinary album captures the live performance from September 11, 2024, featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Northey, with Deborah Cheetham Fraillon herself as the soprano soloist. The requiem, sung entirely in the Gunditjmara language, is a profound and moving exploration of peace, war, and remembrance.

Comprising eighteen tracks, the album spans a duration of one hour and eight minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Each track is a distinct movement within the requiem, blending traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique and resonant sound. From the hauntingly beautiful "O Pernmeeyal (Requiem)" to the stirring "Noombapee-ngeeye (Kyrie)," every piece is a testament to Cheetham Fraillon's compositional genius and the extraordinary talents of the performers.

The album is a collaborative effort, featuring the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and conducted by Brett Weymark OAM. The requiem's debut performance took place on June 15, 2019, and its subsequent live recording in Sydney has been eagerly anticipated by music enthusiasts worldwide. With its release on September 5, 2025, under the ABC Classic label, "Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace" is set to become a seminal work in the classical music canon.

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, a celebrated soprano and composer of Yorta Yorta descent, brings her unique perspective and profound artistic vision to this monumental work. Her collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs results in a performance that is both technically brilliant and deeply moving. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an unforgettable journey through the power of music and the enduring quest for peace.