QPAC

Wata Image by Sarah Walker

Clancestry Wata a gathering for songmen, improvising soloists and orchestra

31 Jul 2025, 7:30pm
Concert Hall
Buy Tickets
$69 - $89 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 20 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

In one of the most innovative and energising works to emerge in 2024, composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky will bring the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Yolŋu songmen Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred and David Yipininy Wilfred together in a work that celebrates the musical traditions of the Wagiluk people in Arnhem Land.

Wata is an invitation to experience a new form of musical collaboration within the manikay tradition, inside QPAC’s Concert Hall. It’s exciting, invigorating and spontaneous. Come experience the expansive warmth and astonishing musicality of Wata. It’s totally life affirming.

Wata is part of Clancestry. Find out more here.

Program

Wata: A Gathering for Manikay Performers, Improvising Soloists and Orchestra
Composed by Paul Grabowsky for a Wägiluk Djuwalpada Manikay shared and performed by Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred (voice and bilma) and David Yipininy Wilfred (yidaki).

  • Powerful, ritualistic words sung clearly, improvised by soloists who vary and contrast the motifs, then echoed and re-echoed in music created by an empathetic composer who brings the different elements together so they connect to become what Paul Grabowsky describes as a “living, breathing, organic musical world”.
    Stage Whispers
  • Diverse as these musical languages are, this blend of ancient and modern gave potent voice to the desire for a more inclusive future, an aspiration affirmed by a standing ovation.
    Sydney Morning Herald
  • ★★★★⯪
    Wata showcases some superb solo improvisations by Knight on trumpet, Erkki Veltheim’s manic shredding on electric violin, Svoboda’s virtuosic bass and haunting vocalise, and Grabowsky’s solo piano.
    Limelight
  • Powerful, ritualistic words sung clearly, improvised by soloists who vary and contrast the motifs, then echoed and re-echoed in music created by an empathetic composer who brings the different elements together so they connect to become what Paul Grabowsky describes as a “living, breathing, organic musical world”.
    Stage Whispers
  • Diverse as these musical languages are, this blend of ancient and modern gave potent voice to the desire for a more inclusive future, an aspiration affirmed by a standing ovation.
    Sydney Morning Herald
  • ★★★★⯪
    Wata showcases some superb solo improvisations by Knight on trumpet, Erkki Veltheim’s manic shredding on electric violin, Svoboda’s virtuosic bass and haunting vocalise, and Grabowsky’s solo piano.
    Limelight
  • Powerful, ritualistic words sung clearly, improvised by soloists who vary and contrast the motifs, then echoed and re-echoed in music created by an empathetic composer who brings the different elements together so they connect to become what Paul Grabowsky describes as a “living, breathing, organic musical world”.
    Stage Whispers

Important Information

Celebrate 40 Years of QPAC and Win!

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

Presented by QPAC and Queensland Symphony Orchestra as part of Clancestry

This event is part of the QPAC 40 program, celebrating 40 years of joy, inclusion, gathering and stories.

Artists

  • Orchestra Queensland Symphony Orchestra
  • Conductor Benjamin Northey
  • Director and Piano Paul Grabowsky
  • Vocals and Bilma Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred
  • Yidaki David Yipininy Wilfred
  • Violin Erkki Veltheim
  • Double Bass Helen Svoboda
  • Trumpet and Electronics Peter Knight
  • Bass Clarinet Aviva Endean

Accessibility

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by giving us a call on 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here.

Discover More

Explore Clancestry here. Check out our diverse lineup of events – don’t miss a beat!