Victorian Opera has announced one of four new operas commissioned to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2021. Parrwang Lifts the Sky, by Yorta Yorta soprano and composer Deborah Cheetham, tells of how the first sunrise came about, one of the creation stories that form a part of the rich oral history of the Wathaurong people of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. The work, which will be presented as the company’s education production for 2021, will be livestreamed to thousands of primary and secondary students across Victoria as part of the company’s ambitious Access All Areas: Livestream Program.

Parrwang Lifts the Sky. Image © Ammie Howell and BJ O’Toole

“It is an honour to be entrusted with this beautiful story from Wathaurong country,” said Cheetham. “Parrwang Lifts the Sky is a shining creation story which reveals itself as a powerful metaphor for the journey towards understanding. As composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera, I am proud to collaborate with Wadawurrung traditional owner Corrina Eccles, director Cameron Menzies and Victorian Opera to create the uplifting story of how Parrwang the Magpie gave humankind the very first dawn.”

Victorian Opera was formed on 6 October...