Kimberley Echoes
The Narli Ensemble
Kimberley Echoes is a powerful cross-cultural celebration created over five years of musical collaboration and experiences across the Kimberley, its landscapes and its people. Curated by Tura, The Narli Ensemble features nationally and internationally renowned musicians including Aboriginal artists Mark Atkins (didjeridu/vocals) and Stephen Pigram (vocals/guitarist) with cellist Tristen Parr, violinist Erkki Veltheim, guitarist Stephen Magnusson, percussionist Joe Talia and flautist Tos Mahoney.
Collaborations with local artists, experiences of traditional Joonba song and dance and travelling through Country have all weaved their influence into this work and program. Projected footage of the vast landscape and work of artists from Art Centre partners immerse audiences in the vibrancy of the Kimberley. Songs by Pigram and Atkins, arranged by this unique ensemble, are juxtaposed with new music created over years of collaboration, all reflecting the complexity and beauty of the landscape from which it comes.
Kimberley Echoes takes its audience on a journey like no other, experiencing a melting-pot of histories and cultures, and the spirit of the Kimberley itself, a place that is not replicated anywhere else on earth.
Mark Atkins
Didjeridu, Guitar and Vocals
Acknowledged as one of Australia’s finest didjeridu players, Mark Atkins is also recognised internationally for his collaborative projects with some of the world’s leading composers and musicians. A descendant of Western Australia’s Yamitji people, as well as of Irish/Australian heritage, Mark is known not only for his masterly playing, but also as a storyteller, composer, percussionist, visual artist and instrument maker.
Stephen Pigram
Guitar, Ukulele and Vocals
Stephen Pigram is a renowned Indigenous musician from the pearling town of Broome, Western Australia. As a singer/songwriter he has been central to the continuation and development of Broome Creole music – the unique music style that draws on both the traditional Aboriginal music of Broome and the Dampier Peninsula and the many international cultures that have been a part of Broome culture.
Erkki Veltheim
Violin
Erkki Veltheim (b. 1976 Finland) is an Australian composer and performer. His practice spans noise, audiovisual installation, improvisation, notated music, electroacoustic composition, pop arrangements and cross-disciplinary performance.
Tristen Parr
Cello
Originally engaging with Tura as a performer locally and regionally, Tristen now holds the position of Producer. A broad skill set both on and off the stage, Tristen curates, develops, presents, and tours new work and existing programs. He works closely with artists and creatives providing artistic and technical support to fully realise work and create engaging and meaningful experiences.
Stephen Magnusson
Guitar
Stephen is considered one of Australia’s most accomplished, versatile and distinct musicians with incredible technique and an astoundingly beautiful tone. His hectic schedule shows that he is a delight to work with and someone that has ‘something unique to say’ in the world of new and improvised music.
Joe Talia
Percussion
Joe is an Australian drummer, composer and record producer/engineer who emerged from the traditions of jazz and free improvisation and welds equally ably in jazz, rock, new music and improvisational contexts.
Tos Mahoney
Flute
Tura’s founder, Artistic Director and CEO, Tos Mahoney has played a pivotal role in the experimental music and cultural sector in Australia over the last 35 years. Starting Evos, the predecessor of Tura in 1987, he has contributed as both an artist/musician and a producer during that time. Tos’s role as Artistic Director, curator and arts advocate has seen the initiation and roll out of a whole raft of projects and programs across Australia and internationally.
The Kimberley region is a truly unique and awe-inspiring part of Australia. With approximately 30 language groups in the Kimberley, the Country holds immense cultural value for its Traditional Custodians. Songlines here have remained uninterrupted for thousands of years. Kimberley Echoes is a richly varied sonic and visual experience that celebrates the vitality of this region.