The stage line-up for the New Beginnings Festival at the Maritime Museum on March 19 promises “glocal sounds” spanning the globe, showcasing some of the most prominent and emerging artists in Australia.
Barkaa, a Malyangapa, Barkindji woman from Western New South Wales, now living in South West Sydney on Gandangara land and Mongolian-born musician Bukhchuluun Ganburged (Bukhu) are just two of the talented performers you can hear at this free, family-friendly event presented by Settlement Services International.
Barkaa and Bukhu’s music may be poles apart but their commitment to their artistic expression stems from similar roots; a desire to illuminate the history and issues of their homelands and honour the strength and resilience of their people.
Barkaa’s debut single, “For My Tittas”, put her on the musical map and called on her Indigenous sisters to respect themselves and to demand respect from others.
Her track, “Our Lives Matter”, and her collaboration with brother Dobby, “I Can’t Breathe”, which highlight black deaths in custody, remain the unofficial anthems of Australia’s Bla(c)k Lives Matter protests.
Bukhu has been based in Sydney since 2009. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the Music and Dance Conservatory of Ulaanbaatar (the capital of Mongolia) and was granted the prestigious Distinguished Talent Visa by the Australian government as an internationally recognised artist with exceptional contributions to the arts.
He plays the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) which is important culturally because it is a significant part of Mongolian nomadic life. He also performs khuumii (Mongolian harmonic- overtone throat singing) a technique whereby a single performer simultaneously produces up to three separate vocal lines.
Bukhu says, “It’s important to be part of a festival like New Beginnings because I am able to share my art and ancient culture with wide Australian audiences.”
The rest of the stellar line-up for the festival reveals the artistic vibrancy and cultural heritage of Australia’s Indigenous, migrant and refugee artists. This line-up includes Zela Margossian Quintet, #ILEILU, Marina Da Silva, Azadoota, Gordon Koang and Heartdancers.
New Beginnings also offers food stalls with cuisine from around the world, market stalls featuring entrepreneurs from refugee and migrant backgrounds, free workshops and experiences and a full program for kids and families to inspire and connect.
Book your free tickets for New Beginnings at https://www.newbeginningsfestival.com.au/.
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New Beginnings
March 19, 2022, 12-8pm
Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray St, Sydney, NSW 2000
