Victorian Opera in Australia has announced that it will be world premiering “Parrwang Lifts the Sky” this June.

The opera, which was commissioned by Victorian Opera and was written by composer Yorta Yorta and soprano Deborah Cheetham AO, tells the creation story of the sunrise based on a traditional story that hails from Wadawurrung Country.

“’Parrwang Lifts the Sky’ is a simple, yet profound story which goes to the heart of our need to understand and respect the natural world in which we live. It is a privilege to share the gift of this beautiful Wadawurrung story through the powerful medium of opera and to once again have the opportunity to connect audiences with the longest continuing culture in the world,” Cheetham said in a press release.

The work will star Georgina Hall, Jess Hitchcock, Michael Petruccelli, Cheetham, Kiran Rajasingam, Shauntai Batzke, and Don Christopher.

The showcase will take place at the Arts Centre Melbourne on June 12, in association with Short Black Opera. Audiences who are unable to attend will be able to check out the global stream on Victorian Opera’s official website.