Aboriginal astronomy is the inspiration behind a new Australian classical music collaboration being given its world premiere in Sydney in March.
The piece, called Celestial Emu (Dhinawan) was written by Australian female composer Keyna Wilkins together with leading indigenous didjeridu player Gumaroy Newman.
It will be performed by the Metropolitan Orchestra and Newman on didjeridu as part of the orchestra's Classical Dreamtime concert on March 7 which kicks off its 2020 season at the Seymour Centre.
The piece is based on the legend of the constellation 'Emu In The Sky' from the Kamilaroi people of Northern NSW where Gumaroy comes from. The work tells the story of the constellation as it appears in its various forms throughout the year until it becomes Gawarrgay, a featherless Emu that travels to waterholes and looks after everything that lives there.
Although the didgeridu was originally a sacred ceremonial instrument for northern First Nation Australians, this ancient instrument is being heard increasingly in contemporary classical Australian compositions.
This new work focusses on integrating and unifying the sounds of both musical cultures while showcasing the virtuosity and diversity of the instrument.
"We are so proud to be premiering this important new work for didjeridu with orchestra. The story behind this composition provides an engaging musical journey for our listeners in a program that follows our orchestras mission of supporting exceptional Australian talent," said Williams.
Conducted by TMO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, the Classical Dreamtime concert will also includes Mozart's epic musical creation, Symphony 40, and Prokofiev's Symphony no 1, Classical.
The performance will also be TMO's first ever concert in the Everest Theatre at the Seymour Centre.
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Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
