Jenna Robertson / Léirmheasanna

Created and performed by soprano Jenna Robertson, with music composed by Corrina Bonshek, Spirit Orphan retells the story of Jenna’s experiences during the 2019 bushfires. Jenna presented the evacuation scene to us, accompanied by chamber orchestra and chorus. This was a deeply moving scene, capturing the fear and anxiety of spending a night alone in the evacuation centre. The rich, polyphonic sound of the voices and instruments blending together was powerful and evocative, building to a dramatic finish. Spirit Orphan fittingly received standing ovations.

Robertson's bell-like soprano transfixed musicians and audiences alike