SongRites Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing)

  • First Nations
  • Contemporary Music
  • Drama Theatre
  • Run time - 65 minutes, no interval
  • Seating map

A joyful and unique celebration of culture and song

Join us for a night of language, culture and song with Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing). A celebration of resilience through music, it's performed by the Songwomen from the remote Northern Territory Borroloola community with Dr Shellie Morris AO. These nine performers, along with a live band, will showcase original songs as the reawaken the Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji and Marra languages. It's a rare chance to experience this ensemble in the heart of Sydney.  

Crafted in close collaboration with language custodians and the Borroloola Songwomen, their album is more than music. It's a living archive of culture, language and identity. From Woodford Folk Festival to Port Fairy Folk Festival to Darwin Festival,  Arrkula Yinbayarra has captivated festival audiences with its emotional depth and cross-generational storytelling. 

This special musical project is born from the vision of Yanyuwa/Garrwa woman Marlene Timothy. It's brought to life by Dr Shellie Morris AO, esteemed writer, singer and Yanyuwa and Wardaman woman. Be taken on a journey through song as the women perform moving tracks from their album Waralungku, which are tied deeply to the Gulf of Carpentaria and its people. Each song is a tribute to the strength of the women and the enduring spirit of the region. 

Arrkula Yinbayarra is a celebration of resilience, creativity and cultural ownership. Through rich harmonies and timeless melodies, it ensures that the region’s languages and stories of Country not only survive but thrive.  

Don’t miss your chance to experience the joy of this remarkable ensemble. 

The Sydney Opera House thanks Event Sponsor Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Idealist donors R O Albert Family and Dr Russell & Jane Kift for their generous support of SongRites.

A very special thank you to Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa artist Lucy Simpson for the creation of our DanceRites artwork.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

Arrkula Yinyabarra are truly inspirations for Indigenous and Australian musicians, finding magical ways to encase their heritage.

Eastside Radio

Trailer

Event sponsor

  • Harbour Trust

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Drama Theatre

The Drama Theatre is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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