13 February 2025
Hope for the Future: a reflection by Milly McAuliffe
Written by Milly McAuliffe, February 2025
Despite my lifelong obsession with classical music, I have not always felt confident in
its relevance to Australian society at large. When friends have questioned why
classical music is important, other than to be the soundtrack in movies, I wasn’t quite
sure how to answer, other than “I think it sounds good,” which isn’t very convincing.
Listening to Deborah Cheetham Fraillon speak about the role of classical music in
Australia totally changed this for me. One month later I find her words are still
turning over in my head.
Professor, composer, soprano, educator, and Yorta Yorta/Yuin woman Deborah
Cheetham Fraillon AO was the guest artist at the first meeting of a new Australian
Youth Orchestra program, Resonate. The program offers young musicians and writers
the opportunity to speak directly with some of Australia’s most exciting artists.
Deborah was generous in telling us her story and answering our questions. She
listened with active empathy to our responses and was visibly moved when one
participant reflected on their own experiences as an indigenous Australian, touching
her hand to her heart as she listened.
Deborah introduced us to her idea of cultural confidence, an argument for why we as
Australians we should have pride in Australian classical music and confidence in its
value.
She pointed out that Australia is home to the longest continuous musical culture in
the world – the indigenous Australian music tradition. As a nation of immigrants,
Australians also have a connection to many other classical musics as well such as
African, Chinese, Western, or Indian.
“As musicians it is our duty of
Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
care to become as culturally confident as we can, and bring our unique voices as Australians to the continuation of the longest musical cultural identity, embrace the
western canon, embrace other canons, but never forget the unique place we hold.”
As well as Australia having a legitimate and claim to many classical musics, Deborah
spoke about the role they have in our society, allowing us to explore complicated
ideas and heavy themes in a safe environment. Australia struggles to acknowledge its
colonial history. Music can be used to unite Australians and honestly reflect on the
darkness of our history, therefore starting the first step towards the healing that
needs to happen.
“We can use music to convey the ideas of understanding what happened, accepting that, finding the understanding and forgiveness that it happened… what affects First
Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Nations peoples affect all Australians.”
The month following this meeting has been characterised for me by uncertainty. I
moved from Perth to Melbourne a few days after the meeting and my life has
changed a lot. I am brought back home when I remember the warmth and courage of
Deborah, her hope for the future of Australian culture and society, and her belief in
the power of music.