Gurrumul's Mother's Buŋgul

Gurrumul's Grandmother's Buŋgul

Gurrumul's Manikay

An exquisite celebration of the talent and musical legacy of Gurrumul Yunupiŋu with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Created on country in North East Arnhem Land with the Yunupiŋu family, Buŋgul is a ceremonial celebration of Dr G’s final, posthumously released album Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), one of the transcendent albums of our time.

Experience the traditional songs, dances and paintings that inspired the album in a live performance by Yolŋgu dancers, songmen and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra directed by Senior Yolŋgu Don Wininba Ganambarr and Nigel Jamieson.

Djarimirri brought together traditional songs and harmonised chants from Gurrumul’s traditional Yolŋgu life with hypnotic orchestral compositions. Now, in his honour, his family add a further cultural and immersive visual dimension to this historic work, performing the songlines that have forged their identity and every aspect of their existence since the beginning of time.

After the 6pm performance on 25 January, join the passing Procession as it makes its way to Barangaroo Reserve for the beginning of The Vigil at sunset – an opportunity to gather overnight by fireside, hear live music and spoken word performances, and reflect on the story of modern Australia and the impact of colonisation.

Presented by Sydney Festival and Sydney Opera House.

"Virtuosic, his voice on a plain nigh on improbable, its purity astounding" – Rolling Stone