One Song: The Music of Archie Roach

Photo credit: Phil Nitchie

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Chief Conductor Jaime Martín, is honoured to co-present One Song: The Music of Archie Roach, featuring a stellar line-up of artists who draw on their connections to the Australian legend to bring new life to his iconic songs.

Featuring Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, William Barton, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Jess Hitchcock, Radical Son, Sally Dastey, Kee'ahn, Tamala Shelton and the Dhungala Children's Choir, One Song will celebrate the enormous legacy of Gunditjamara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, song man and storyteller, Archie Roach AC AM, as part of the MSO's NAIDOC Week program.

Held on Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 July at Hamer Hall, One Song will be an evening of powerful song and sublime storytelling with performances of seminal songs such as Took the Children Away, Jamu Dreaming and Weeping in the Forest, with the full backing of the MSO.

Rachael Maza AM, artistic director of ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, directs the live concert featuring esteemed digeridoo player and composer William Barton, Black Arm Band pioneer and highly celebrated singer-songwriter Emma Donovan, acclaimed singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock and Tiddas legend Sally Dastey. Multi-talented soul man, Dan Sultan will bring his powerful connection to Uncle Archie to the stage in his MSO debut.

Archie's multi-generational influence will be on show with musician of Kamilaroi and Tongan heritage, singer, rapper and spoken word artist Radical Son, winner of the Archie Roach Foundation Award at the 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards Kee'ahn, and actress Tamala Shelton - all making their MSO debuts. The Dhungala Children's Choir, conducted by MSO First Nations Chair and Short Black Opera founder Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO add their voices to the tribute of a musical giant whose shoulders many of these young artists stood upon.

For more information on One Song: The Music of Archie Roach, please see: