Being an “outsider” usually bears associations of being excluded, of not belonging, and of not feeling very good about it. But the experience of being an outsider can also be incredibly meaningful, humbling, and even exhilarating, as I discovered through attending Gapu Ŋupan at the Asia TOPA festival 2025. A weaving together of Yolŋu songlinesContinue reading “Gapu Ŋupan”
Category Archives: Music
Kagami
To capture the essence of an artist’s humanity and creative work, to preserve a form of it, and to present it to audiences as an experience of the artist himself, live in concert, years after the artist’s passing, is a mixed reality miracle that would have been unfathomable even a single generation ago. Kagami, aContinue reading “Kagami”
Abida Parveen
Four musicians sit cross-legged on the floor of the stage for the entirety of the concert. The lead performer, a singer in her 60s, sings songs of love, wisdom, and experience. Her lyrics are inspired by the poetry of old Sufi saints, her music and her thoughts are all addressed to Allah, the divine. ThereContinue reading “Abida Parveen”
Meeting Point Series: Hand to Earth
Meeting Point Series: Hand to Earth was a musical collaboration between Sunny Kim, Daniel Wilfred and Peter Knight presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Australian Art Ochestra as part of Asia TOPA 2020. The show brought together a unique selection of multicultural talent, musical styles and traditions to create an entrancing sound. Korean jazz vocalistContinue reading “Meeting Point Series: Hand to Earth”
Homophonic!
Homophonic! (directed and produced by Miranda Hill) was a celebration of classical and contemporary queer composers, playing at La Mama Courthouse for a short season (30 Jan – 1 Feb 2020) as part of the Midsumma Festival for the 9th year in a row. It was a concert that showcased a variety of instruments, sounds,Continue reading “Homophonic!”
Jaya Berged 