‘Short Black Opera’ uses Tapestry Foundation Australia commissioned tapestries as inspiration for her songs

The latest project from Short Black Opera celebrates multi-dimensional works from an ancient culture. Deborah Cheetham AO, Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, composer and educator has been a leader and pioneer in the Australian arts landscape for more than 25 years.

Returning to Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for the second time on 2 November 2022, Cheetham presents Woven Song, a contemporary chamber series inspired by the Australian Tapestry Workshop Embassy Tapestries commissioned by the Tapestry Foundation Australia.

The Embassy Tapestries are a vibrant collaboration between Indigenous artists and the master weavers at the Australian Tapestry Workshop that places large-scale hand-woven tapestries on loan to selected overseas Australian Diplomatic Missions. 

Through this important project, Cheetham gives voice to the material works, engaging in the telling of First Nations stories. Woven Song is a unique collaboration across cultures and art forms, building international creative communities.