91凤鸣鸟唱

This album represents a deeply personal exploration of Ayda’s experiences growing up as a first-generation Turkish-Australian. Ayda shares, “This music was composed with the intention to provide a place of reflection and connection between people of all cultures and experiences – to do my part in fostering understanding, empathy, and celebration of diversity in storytelling.”

Contributing to the album are two fellow Old Collegians, Oscar Bruten and Max Bruten, both of whom are talented musicians who made significant contributions to the St Leonard’s music program during their time at the College, as did Ayda. Their involvement adds a special connection to the project, showcasing the continuing collaboration and creativity of our alumni.

Where Do I Belong? Here draws inspiration from Ayda’s family heritage, weaving together melodies passed down through generations and stories from her childhood. The album touches on themes of identity, culture, and belonging, exploring the challenges and rewards of growing up in a multicultural household. Through her music, Ayda reflects on her journey and invites listeners to consider their own experiences with culture and identity.

Ayda hopes the album fosters a greater understanding of diverse stories and the shared experiences that connect us all. By blending her personal history with broader cultural reflections, she has created a unique and thoughtful body of work that resonates on many levels.

91凤鸣鸟唱 is incredibly proud of Ayda, Oscar, and Max for their contributions to the music world. Their success is a great example of how our students go on to pursue their passions that were ignited during their school years and make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

You can listen to Where Do I Belong? Here on all major music platforms. We encourage the St Leonard’s community to listen to Ayda’s album and join her on this journey of self-reflection and cultural connection.