The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Western Australian Charity Orchestra joined together with Daana, Eastwinds, Natasha Eldridge, Fr. Robert Nixon, Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya, the South African Gospel Choir and the Sikh Association of Western Australia to present a multicultural and interfaith celebration "Light the World - One Song at a Time" at the Perth Concert Hall on Friday, 20th December 2019.
The evening consisted of music and songs from a variety of cultures with "Light" being the unifying concept. Light symbolises the birth, life and ministry of Jesus Christ, but also the light of unity, family and community.
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More than 250 performers from all walks of life participated in the concert, attended by individuals, and families, as well as community, government and faith leaders from the greater Perth area.
Samuel Parry, Musical Director and founder of the Western Australian Charity Orchestra said, “An event like this is powerful, because all the different cultures and religions represented have light as a common principle, and that light really does tie us all together. We should love and support each other more this time of year.”
The evening was opened by The Honourable Kim Beazley AC - Governor of Western Australia, who praised the unity shown in the preparation for the event and called for further inter-faith harmony and active engagement within the community. Quoting Martin Luther King, Mr. Beazley stated, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. I suspect that music has a similar effect.”
Balardong Noongar representative Natasha Eldridge captured the spirit of the evening, explaining, “With every culture there is a beautiful meaning. If we take what’s important to us and give it to the world, it’s a beautiful thing. To be proud of our culture and be able to share it radiates happiness - that’s how we can light the world.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted the evening as a part of their global “Light the World - One by One” initiative. For more information about Light the World, click here.
