Presented by Multicultural Museums Victoria in partnership with The ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, and held at the Islamic Museum of Australia on the 25 of July, the evening concert was a delightful, heart-warming and nostalgic look at the songs grandmothers of a select group of cultures, have shared with their grand children throughout many decades. The public performance featured inspiring performances by singers and musicians from across Melbourne's diverse cultural communities and offered a range of international music and histories behind the many favourite tunes and lullabys that reflect the roles grandmothers play in our lives and the special place they hold in the globe. The Mir Kumen On Yiddish Choir participated with three songs, 'Oyfn Pripetshik' (At the Fireplace) in which a rabbi teaches the Hebrew alphabet to children in a room warmed by a fire. Words and music by Mark Warshawsky (1840-1907).[facebook_video video="1966795916673887"]Oyfn Veg Shteyt A Boym (By The Wayside Stands A Tree). A bent tree is abandoned by birdlife, and a "young fledgling" wants to keep the tree company in winter. The tree is ultimately left abandoned as, "I lift my wings but I cannot fly [...] too many clothes has mother put on her weak little fledgling [...] her love has not allowed me to become a bird". Words by Itsik Manger (1911-1969).[facebook_video video="1966797550007057"]The final song performed by the Mir Kumen On Yiddish Choir is Dos Lidl Fun Goldenem Land (The Song of the Golden Land).A "good fidler" is asked to play "the song of the Golden Land" as 'my mother used to sing me that song". The singer laments the loss of their mother, reflecting on how the song reminds them of being cradled and "her beloved face, her heartfelt smile". Words and music by Mordkhe Gebirtig (1877-1942).[facebook_video video="1966802330006579"]On the night, members of the Macedonian Womens Choir Pletenka performed some well loved nursery rhymes as well as songs that many a grandmother have sung to their grandchildren. "Zasviril Stojan" is about Stojan (a young man) who plays a colourful flute (kaval) above the village when he is heard by Stojna Popova (a young girl). She tells her mother to take the broom as she wants to see who is playing, exclaiming, "If he's a bachelor, mother, expect me in a year's time with a baby boy in my arms". (folk)[facebook_video video="1966803396673139"]"Zurli Trestat Na Sred Selo" is about everyone being at the village dance. A grandfather hurries to join in between the young girls when his wife Neda exclaims, "Let's go home you old dog", it's only for the young ones. (folk)[facebook_video video="1966805396672939"]The Macedonian Womens Choir ended their performance with "Go Pratile Dedo V'Planina". A "bad grandpa" is sent to the mountains to be eaten by the bears, but alas, he comes back only to bring with him a bag full of bears! (folk)[facebook_video video="1966807750006037"]Elvira and La Voce de la Luna (Italian Choir) were a delight on the night including a trio of songs that many an Italian nonna have sung to their bambini. One of them is "The Leaf of the Olive Tree". Popularised by Sicilian folk singer Rosa Balisteri, this lullaby portrays the journey of the olive leaf when the wind blows it off the branch and to the ground. The lullaby likens the fragility of humanity to a leaf during a storm.[facebook_video video="1966809976672481"] Among performers on the night was Valia Gianinska who performed a Bulgarian song titled, "Katerino Mome". In this song a young man asks a young girl Katerina why she is so beautiful. She replies that it is because she was born in the mountains of the Pirin region, that she walks on Pirin grass and drinks fresh Pirin water. Music and lyrics by Tatiana Sarbinska and…