Riverside Theatres hosted the first-ever Rhythms of Peace Harmony Day Concert, a unique South Asian and Middle Eastern music and dance performance by young people from Western Sydney.
The concert marked Harmony Day 2012, which is celebrated around Australia in March each year. It also coincides with the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Rhythms of Peace Concert unites the dynamic rhythms of the Middle East and South Asia with Bangra dance and folk dancing of Lebanon.
It featured local urban stories from Western Sydney, communicated through rap and soaring melodies and weaved through a cross-cultural musical soundtrack.
“Rhythms of Peace is about fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of other cultures,” said the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Lorraine Wearne.
“It’s very fitting that this concert coincides with Harmony Day, which is about reflecting on what each person brings to our country and remembering that everyone belongs.”
The Rhythms of Peace Concert evolved from a music project run by community development organisation, SEVA International to engage young people from South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds living in Western Sydney.
Funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Harmony Day Program, the concert is produced and directed by Richard Petkovic (Cultural Arts Collective), Music Director and composer for cross-cultural ensemble Nafas.
