Clancestry festival: Wata

For one night only, QPAC’s Concert Hall will come alive with Wata: a gathering for songmen, improvising soloists and orchestra – a transcendent musical experience that unites tradition and innovation.

In this groundbreaking work, acclaimed composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky brings together the Queensland Symphony Orchestra with Yolŋu songmen Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred and David Yipininy Wilfred in celebration of the ancient manikay tradition of the Wagiluk people of Arnhem Land. Passed down through generations, these songlines are given new expression in Wata through spontaneous improvisation, orchestral texture and the invigorating power of ancestral voice. The result is a stirring, life-affirming performance that bridges cultures and redefines what a modern musical collaboration can be. A standout in the Clancestry 2025 program, Wata is more than a concert – it’s an invitation to feel, connect and witness the exciting continuity of one of the world’s oldest musical traditions.

Be quick to secure your seats via the QPAC website.