Monday, October 31, 2016

'Singing from Country' launched at the Maldon Folk Festival

It has been with pride and pleasure I have had a place on the Singing from Country steering committee representing Storytelling Australia Victoria. Any project that aims to deepen connection to the land through understanding is a winner in my book.
 Uncle Rick Nelson: Welome to Country
This event was the pilot project; the goal is to eventually roll the idea across Victoria. Almost two years in the planning, it was wonderful to see the hard work come together in a day of workshops and a powerful and joyous concert.

The pilot Singing from Country was launched on Dja Dja Wurrung Country  bringing together traditional knowledge holders, ecologists, naturalists, singers, songwriters and choir leaders.

Workshop: Rebecca Phillips, Djali Balag (Langugae Group on language and culture)
Two months ago, four of Australia's celebrated songwriters were immersed in full day of presentations and stories to assist them in the task of writing two songs each, to be arranged for community choirs.

Neil Murray (songwriter)
These songs were revealed at the Maldon Folk Folk Festival as works in progress (still to be arranged and polished) at the concert. I am still smiling and savoring the delight of the day. To hear a hall full of people singing about Allocasuarina, swathes of wildflowers, skin and bark, to hear a welcome sung in Dja Dja Wurrung - powerful and memorable. A wonderful beginning.

 Songwriter Eva Popov (left) with the help of friends
Hats off to the Dja Dja WurrungCommunity Music Victoria, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation of Languages, Connecting Country  

So many people to acknowledge who have contributed to the project so far. I suggest you visit the Singing from Country website, join the Facebook Group and follow the journey.

Songwriter Kavisha 

 
Songwriter Carl Pannuzzo

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