The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Is Playing The Music Of Archie Roach This July

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform the music of Archie Roach this July - Wednesday, 5 and Thursday, 6 July at 7:30 pm - at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.

The two special One Song: The Music of Archie Roach concerts will feature a who’s who of artists influenced by the iconic Indigenous Australian singer, including 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, per Noise 11.

With the shows led by Musical Director Paul Grabowsky AO, Stage Director Rachael Maza AM and Conductor Jaime Martín, the amount of talent and care poured into these events is astounding. 

Archie Roach passed away on 30 July 2022, following a spell of long illness at Warrnambool Base Hospital, surrounded by his family and loved ones. 

The news was revealed via a statement posted to his Facebook page from Amos and Eban Roach on behalf of the Roach Family.

"Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way,” the statement said.

"We are so proud of everything our dad achieved in his remarkable life. He was a healer and unifying force. His music brought people together.”

Roach's catalogue and activism took him to considerable heights, including being inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2011. He was also honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list as a Member of the Order of Australia and was named 2020 Victorian Australian of the year.

A few months ago, Archie Roach was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia medal in a posthumous service.

ARIA and PPCA congratulated the supremely influential artist on the honour. The ARIA and PPCA CEO, Annabelle Herd, commented, "Archie Roach was such an important storyteller and critical contributor to Australia’s cultural history. 

"His powerful and unifying body of work, as well as his tireless dedication, is more than deserving of our highest national honour. Today we celebrate his talent, impact and legacy as we extend our thoughts to his family, friends and all those impacted by Archie’s incredible life."

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & SPECIAL GUESTS

One Song: The Music of Archie Roach

Wednesday, 5, and Thursday, 6 July, 7:30 pm - Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Tickets are on sale now via the MSO website.