After taking out a classical music award with their innovative sound series Scale Variable and the now iconic Club Zho, Tura New Music are all set to reinvent the local scene with the remarkable Crossing Roper Bar Tour. This concert series brings together the best of Wagilak Gujarra/Nyilapidgi musicians from Ngukurr in East Arnhem Land with the Australian Art Orchestra, led by composer and musician Paul Grabowsky and featuring special guest, the legendary vocalist, Ruby Hunter. The collaboration has led to modern interpretations of ancient songs, valuable as both musical and cultural offerings.

Artistic Director of Tura New Music, Tos Mahoney said, ‘Crossing Roper Bar is one of the most exciting cultural events in our time. At its heart is a dynamic exchange of ideas between cultural traditions, ancient and contemporary, and a thrilling example of the transformative power of music, which crosses all boundaries. The 08 Tour is a remarkable opportunity for all people to connect with this wonderfully inspirational project.’

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Indeed, the very name itself alludes to a geographic metaphor that is all too apt for a music project that connects white and black Australia through music. The Roper River in the Kimberley covers all the land near the town of Ngukurr, isolating the town during the wet season. When the rains dry up, Roper Bar is the crossing point to reach Ngukurr, which is a contemporary meeting place for people of the Yugul Mangi nations and has been the centre of recent debates on how to ensure the survival of indigenous stories, music and culture.

Crossing Roper Bar begins at the Darwin Festival on August 17 and will stop in Katherine, Timber Creek, Kununurra, Warmun, Wangkatjungka, Broome, Djarindjin/Lombadina, Beagle Bay and One Arm Point before reaching Perth for their final performance at Perth Concert Hall on Friday, September 5.

For more information on the concert series, visit www.tura.com.au.