Gurrumul lives on in songs

QUEENSCLIFF Music Festival will host the world premiere live performance of Gurrumul’s posthumous album Djarimirri.

The record, which reached No.1 in Australia this year, will be recreated by a 16-piece orchestra from the Australian National Academy of Music orchestra at the festival, which runs from November 23 to 25.

Gurrumul’s producer Michael Hohnen says the late musician’s vocals may be used in some way, as well as guest singers, including Sarah Blasko.

“We want to pay tribute to what Gurrumul presented but take it into the future as something that is universal — Australian Yolgnu songs played by an orchestra,” Hohnen said.

“Aboriginal music is so prolific but also so scarce. Elders pass away constantly carrying bodies of knowledge that will rarely be reproduced because they’re not sure it will go into the right hands. Part of his legacy is that it’s a snapshot of what we’re losing. Australians don’t have much unique content to hang our hats on. There’s educational content in these songs that most people don’t know about and don’t learn about. Let’s celebrate that.”

Djarimirri, or Child of the Rainbow, was the project Gurrumul, pictured, was working on when he died last July. His family allowed the use of his name and image to be used again to ensure his legacy continues to inspire.

“I want to do something G and his family would be proud of, what his family are reproducing is as much part of them as it is part of him,” Hohnen said.

Djarimirri receiving glowing reviews as well as chart success.

“Imagine working for six years on an album that’s nothing like anything anyone else is doing. For that to come back with such a positive affirmation is very heartening. It shows there is a place of love for stuff other than mainstream music,” Hohnen said.

Djarimirri, and the Gurrumul documentary, are about to be launched overseas, with early screenings being acclaimed.

“He seemed to be able to touch people in ways other artists couldn’t,” Hohnen said.

“When the documentary screened in Washington people were coming up crying and saying how much it affected them. That was just a universal trait he carried that won’t go away, which is beautiful.

“The album presents all his clan members. The way we put it together was a dream for the future where Yolngu songs could be presented in Stuttgart or America or wherever with a local orchestra.”

Tickets are on sale now from qmf.net.au