Kimberley Reflections - WA music tour inspires new sounds and connects communitites

The Tura New Music regional touring program is an award winning project, recognised nationally for it's strong commitment to presenting world class Australian music in regional Western Australia. With touring artists and locals forging bonds through musical sharing and collaboration, the project has been creating opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.

Narli Ensemble member and percussionist Greg Sheehan with local children in Warmun Source: Tura New Music

Over the past few weeks, a talented and diverse collection of musicians returned once again to communities across the Kimberley region to connect and inspire through collaboration and workshops, building on relationships formed through previous tours. Taking in Kununurra, Warmun, Wangkatjunga and others, tonight in Perth the 'Reflections2' Tour will culminate in a unique and powerful concert, Kimberley Reflections.

Stephen Pigram, hailed as 'the bard of Broome and the king of Kimberley song', will perform alongside didge virtuoso Mark Atkins, Erkkie Veltheim and special guests Gabriel Nodea (Warmun), Danny Marr (Fitzroy Crossing) and Ashley Oobagooma (Derby). Performing songs that have been inspired by the experiences and extraordinary places visited on tour, the concert promises to deliver a unique soundscape.

Mark Atkins, Stephen Pigram In performance at Ivanhoe Farms, Kununnura- as part of the Reflections2 tour Photo credit: Sabina Maselli Source: Peach&Pineapple

Artistic Director and flautist, Tos Mahoney is excited to see what the concert will bring this evening.

“As the tour builds to the finale in Perth I am overwhelmed with the depth  of collaboration and energy that has been generated over the past two weeks. The connection between musicians from such hugely different musical and cultural spaces has created one of the most powerful cross cultural programs I have seen."

The experience of travelling through country and communities, of creating and performing with local artists along the way and of sharing the evolving music across the Kimberley – has produced wonderfully unplanned connections and outcomes which will be celebrated at the Kimberley Reflections concert.

Award winning and much loved artist, Stephen Pigram told NITV that his personal highlight was, "the connection in Warmun with the community - our concert first and then the joonba after. What a great and important connection with the community there."

Pigram continues, "This project is all about bringing music to a different stage. It's like a suit and tie for a singer songwriter!  Taking our songs and putting them onto a concert hall stage."

Reflections2 Tour has visited communities such as Warmun. Photo: Sabina Maselli Source: Peach&Pineapple

Warmun artist, musician and cultural leader Gabriel Nodea told NITV that the project is an important one. "It's very important. It is promoting the workplace where I work - the Warmun Arts Centre. And my country." For Nodea, the tour has been a chance to meet new people and work with musicians who he says are 'Kimberley legends'. 

Nodea will be performing a special piece at tonight's concert. "I am telling my Warmun story based on the painting I made for the Warmun Arts Centre. The Narli boys will be playing beautiful music with it and the painting will be on the screen behind."

Warmun artist, musician, cultural leader Gabriel Nodea with his artwork, part of his performance tonight at Kimberley Reflections. Photo: Sabina Maselli Source: Peach&Pineapple

Major tour sponsor Healthway and Tura New Music are working together to promote positive mental health in many communities throughout the Kimberley and in Perth. Acting Executive Director, Maree De Lacey said, “The Reflections2 Tour demonstrates the Act-Belong-Commit message by providing an opportunity for many people to share in and enjoy the artistic accomplishments of others.”

Reflections2 tour / Warmun concert ceremony Photo: Sabina Maselli Source: Peach&Pineapple

Kimberley Reflections concert with Gabriel Nodea, Danny Marr and Ashley Oobagooma is on tonight, Wednesday 21 September at the Perth Concert Hall 7.30pm. For information on ticket sales, go here. 

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