COMMENDATION
His Excellency General Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of Australia
"This 50th Anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm Australia’s support to Afghanistan, particularly as the peace process continues and we go forward into the next 50 years of this bilateral relationship, focusing on women’s empowerment and role in society.”
H. E. Wahidullah Waissi Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Australia
“Zohra Orchestra’s Australian tour provides audiences with the opportunity to attain an extremely unique musical experience, whilst simultaneously supporting the development of people-to-people and cultural links between Australia and Afghanistan. It is a showcase of the resilience and determination of Afghan youth and women to continue fighting for their rights and carry their country from strength to strength.”
Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier of NSW
''I am delighted to offer a warm welcome to the brave and inspiring members of the Zohra Orchestra as they play at the Sydney Opera House.
Their concert marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Australia and coincides with 100 years of the republic's independence. Members of the orchestra embody the nation's achievements in empowering girls and women, and its success in rebuilding its cultural and economic future after more than 30 years of war and civic turmoil. This remarkable tour will provide audiences with unique insights into Afghani musical traditions and enable extraordinary young musicians to share their musical gifts and stories across cultures. As Premier of NSW, I am proud to support and welcome the tour, which strengthens and celebrates relations between our two countries. ''
Professor Jacqui True, Director, Monash Gender Peace and Security Centre
"These performances are Australia’s chance to experience how girls and young women in Afghanistan have been able to use music to shape their identity and participate in public conversations about their hopes and dreams for a peaceful future in their country.''
Professor Sharon Pickering, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Monash University
"The Zohra Orchestra captures the best elements of cultural and creative endeavours. By virtue of talent and determination, these remarkable young women inspire global change through sharing their music and their story. We are honoured to host the Zohra Orchestra at Monash University, and thrilled that our students have the opportunity to learn from and perform with such extraordinary musicians. Cultural exchange makes us all stronger, and we look forward to welcoming our Melbourne audience to an evening that will entertain, enlighten and - most importantly - bring our diverse and dynamic community closer together."
Charlotte Smith, Master of Ceremonies
"The story behind the founding of Zohra demonstrates that expression, harmony, and creativity will emerge from chaos and ugliness when someone steps forward with a vision. Zohra represents everything that is beautiful about women - our desire to create beauty as an empowering tool and our passion to celebrate our own cultural identity. The celebration of life through music is an important lesson upon which we should reflect. It is my great honour to be Master of Ceremonies at such a unique and moving occasion in such a prestigious venue."