nyilamum - song cycles

nyilamum - song cycles description

Featuring music from Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung Dr Lou Bennett AM and Paul Stanhope, nyilamum – song cycles is a concert that weaves ancient knowledges and a celebration of language with contemporary reflections on land, identity and resilience.

...the earth seemed to rip open and turned the Muziekgebouw into an enchanting universe...

De Nieuwe Muze

Two works by Dr Bennett open this concert with an exploration of the deep connections between people, music and the land. baiyan woka, which translates from Yorta Yorta language as “singing for Country”, celebrates the ancient practice of caring for Country. jaara nyilamum is a sacred story of life, loss and repatriation after 99 years of separation from Country.

Paul Stanhope’s String Quartet No. 3, From the Kimberley, reflects the dramatic landscapes and complex histories of the Kimberley region inspired by the story of Jandamarra – a Bunuba man and tracker – and explores themes of pursuit, lament and hope.

This program culminates with the Australian premiere of nyilamum – song cycles, a First Nations-led work by Dr Bennett and Stanhope that debuted at the 2024 String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam. Here the Quartet becomes the voice of Country, guiding nyilamum home to her final resting place amongst the treetops.

...compelling and atmospheric..

The Guardian

Event additional information

Credits

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Australian String Quartet
Dale Barltrop, violin
Francesca Hiew, violin
Chris Cartlidge, violin
Michael Dahlenburg, cello

Dr Lou Bennett AM, voice

Presented in association with Australian String Quartet and Binung Boorigan Pty Ltd with generous support from the ASQ’s nyilamum – song cycles Commissioning Circle.

We acknowledge the Jaara Community and the stories they hold.

Image © Eduardus Lee

Partners

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