Dhungala Children’s Choir

Formed in 2009 by Deborah Cheetham AO, Dhungala Children’s Choir has become the peak choral performance group for Indigenous children in Victoria and northern New South Wales. Choir members have joined the Short Black Opera Company in performances of Deborah’s landmark opera Pecan Summer, and come together annually in Melbourne for Dhungala Choral Connection—a three-day choral camp designed to reform traditional song lines between the many language groups represented within the choir.

Children join Dhungala Children’s Choir via Short Black Opera’s regional engagement program, Short Black Opera for Kids. The program provides training in musicianship, stagecraft, song writing and performance skills to children aged eight to twelve—and inspires excellence, leadership and confidence.