After the disappointment of last year, we are thrilled to finally be able to present our free opening night concert extravaganza, Buŋgul.

Experience the traditional songs, dances and paintings that inspired Gurrumul’s album Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), in a live performance by Yolŋu dancers, songmen and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

Created on country in North East Arnhem Land with the Yunupiŋu family, Buŋgul is a ceremonial celebration of Gurrumul’s seminal final album, a landmark in Australian music. It transcends its author’s death and celebrates his life, by bringing together western music and his family’s musical and cultural traditions.

Djarimirri was Gurrumul’s final gift to the world. An astounding achievement of music acclaimed the world over, it presented traditional songs and harmonised chants from his Yolŋu life with hypnotic orchestral compositions. Now, in his honour, his family add a further cultural and immersive visual dimension to this historic work, performing the songlines that have forged their identity and every aspect of their existence since the beginning of time.

Pack a picnic, bring the family and make a night of it with food and drinks from our onsite vendors, as the Amphitheatre is transformed into a meeting place of dance, song and ritual for Buŋgul.

Download the house program to read on your mobile device. It contains detailed information about the show and the meaning of the songs and visuals.