Clancestry 2025: Wata: a gathering for songmen

In one of the most innovative and energising works to emerge in 2025, composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky will bring the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Yolŋu songmen Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred and David Yipininy Wilfred together in a work that celebrates the musical traditions of the Wagiluk people in Arnhem Land.

Wata is an invitation to experience a new form of musical collaboration within the manikay tradition, inside QPAC’s Concert Hall. It’s exciting, invigorating and spontaneous. Come experience the expansive warmth and astonishing musicality of Wata. It’s totally life affirming.

Wata is part of Clancestry. Find out more here.

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).