Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi Seven Sister’s Dreaming

Displayed at Ninbella Gallery Bangalow

 

Maps and Journeys: The World’s First Astronomers explores the rich astronomical traditions of Australia’s First Nations’ people over the past 65,000 years, believed to be the oldest practice of astronomy in the world. Through a unique understanding of star constellations and the interconnection between the sky and the land, they created star maps and Songlines that established sophisticated trade routes covering vast distances across the Australian continent and used astronomy to inform their daily lives including their social laws, hunting and food gathering techniques, and understanding of weather and seasonal changes.

 

This celestial knowledge and deep understanding of the land has been aurally passed down from generation to generation through sophisticated systems, stories and Songlines, marking the continuity and intricacy of the oldest culture in the world. The Maps and Journeys program presents new works by First Nations’ composers Brenda Gifford and Eric Avery, and also Sean O'Boyle AM in a concert of Australian works inspired by the night sky and the Seven Sister constellation. Also collaborating with SXS to create and perform this program are actor/writer Paula Nazarski, composer Sean O’Boyle AM and SXS Artist in Residence didgeridoo soloist Chris Williams.

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Sean O’Boyle AM has collaborated with this project as the Resident Creative Artist of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium.

 

Southern Cross Soloists respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and their Elders both past, present and emerging.

 

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.

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GIFFORD New work World Premiere

AVERY New work World Premiere

O’BOYLE New work World Premiere

EDWARDS Ulpirra

O’BOYLE Didgeridoo Concerto

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Chris Williams Didgeridoo

Eric Avery Violin Dancer

Paula Nazarski Actor

Southern Cross Soloists

SXS NEXT GEN ARTISTS

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Duration: 80 minutes, no interval