Wata: a gathering for songmen, improvising soloists and orchestra
Soul of Australia
In one of the most innovative and energising works for 2024, composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky brings the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Yolŋu songmen Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred and David Yipininy Wilfred together in a work that celebrates the musical traditions of the Ngukurr people in Arnhem Land.
You can include this concert as part of a 2024 Create Your Own Package and save up to 10%*!
Wata means many things: it is a part of a ceremonial song cycle, part of the manikay
(public song) tradition of the Ngukurr people. It is also a purification ritual, a song of new beginnings, of release, of flight, and connection to land, ancestry and hope for the future.
With complex patterns of yidaki and bilma forming the building blocks, musicians of the Sydney Symphony and guest improvising soloists weave in and out of the songs led by Daniel Wilfred and David Wilfred, guided by Grabowsky’s powerful orchestration.
Wata is an invitation to experience a new form of musical collaboration within the manikay tradition, inside the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. It’s exciting, invigorating and spontaneous. Come experience the expansive warmth and astonishing musicality of Wata. It’s totally life affirming.
Program
Wata: A Gathering for Manikay Performers, Improvising Soloists and Orchestra
Composed by Paul Grabowsky for a Wägiluk Djuwalpada Manikay shared and performed by Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred (voice and bilma) and David Yipininy Wilfred (yidaki)
Artists
BENJAMIN NORTHEY conductor
PAUL GRABOWSKY director / piano
DANIEL NGUKURR BOY WILFRED vocals and bilma
DAVID YIPININY WILFRED yidaki
ERKKI VELTHEIM violin
HELEN SVOBODA double bass
PETER KNIGHT trumpet and electronics
AVIVA ENDEAN bass clarinet
*Terms and conditions may apply.