Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Photo Keith Saunders
SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS’ STATEMENT ON THE 2023 NATIONAL REFERENDUM FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO RECOGNISE THE FIRST PEOPLES OF AUSTRALIA
At Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, our voices bring to life the songs of many cultures and countries, from across the ages, in a spirit of sharing, learning and understanding. The ancient customs and cultures of this land inspire us to create harmony: in music and in our society. Our tradition of beginning each concert with Tarimi Nulay – Long time living here acknowledges the profound cultural and spiritual connection to the land on which we sing.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs proudly walks in solidarity with Australia’s First Nations peoples on constitutional recognition, a First Nations Voice to Parliament and endorse the vision for a more equitable and reconciled Australia expressed through the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
In supporting a ‘YES’ vote in the referendum to be held on 14 October 2023, we believe that taking meaningful steps towards genuine reconciliation, respect, and empowerment of Indigenous peoples is not only a moral imperative but a necessary milestone in our collective journey toward a fair, united, and inclusive society.
Through the universal language of music we strive to break down barriers and bring people together. We encourage our singers, members and audiences to inform themselves, listen to others with an open heart and mind, and share balanced information with their own communities.
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