Three Generations, Three Songs – a powerful performance set for Australian Festival of Chamber Music
A world first, powerful performance of original songs by three generations of the same Manbarra and Bwgcolman family from Palm Island in collaboration with the award-winning contemporary ensemble Topology will be performed on Saturday August 3 during the Australian Festival of Chamber Music which starts on July 26.
Three Generations, Three Songs brings to life the poignant stories and enduring spirit of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples of Palm Island through original songs by three generations of the same family, celebrating their deep connection to their island home. Since the first sunrise the Manbarra people have been caretakers of Yunbinan (Yoon-bi-nun) and for more than a century, the patchworked paradise of Palm Island has been stitched together by the 40+ tribes who live there, now known as the Bwgcolman. Audiences will be invited to cross the saline waters of Halifax Bay and discover these stories and the deep love of place that lives in the hearts of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman.
Together, Gail Mabo, Normey Jay and Nashaye share traditional stories and contemporary reflections through their own unique lenses, guided by Deline Briscoe. Gail, Normey and Nashaye have explored their own lived experience, consulted with their elders, and engaged with the Palm Island family to bring the Manbarra Bwgcolman stories to stage.
The FREE performance will feature a collaboration between the Manbarra Bwgcolman Songwriters, Topology and AFCM musicians.
This project is part of the Creative Heartlands Program, a strategic initiative of Topology | RASN North Queensland supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
RASN North Queensland & Topology: Three Generations, Three Songs
Date: Saturday, 3 August 2024 Time: 6:15 pm Location: AFCM Festival Garden
Admission: Free
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Australian Festival of Chamber Music
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music runs from 26 July to 4 August and features more than 35 artists including 10 international artists, 20 Australian artists and 5 ensembles. Fourteen artists will make their AFCM debut and the program includes two world premieres and one Australian premiere. It is one of the world’s leading international chamber music festivals and is committed to celebrating music and the arts, fostering cultural exchange, and enriching the community through diverse and dynamic artistic collaborations.
26 July to 4 August 2024 in Townsville-Gurambilbarra, North Queensland
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AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland. The Queensland Government supports the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) through Arts Queensland.