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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2025
  • Wata
Wata Image by Sarah Walker
  • Classical Music
  • First Nations

fnclancestrywata25 Wata QPAC, Queensland Symphony Orchestra Classical Music, First Nations 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

Overview

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).

  • ★★★★⯪
    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

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.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Concession

Pension and companion card holders.

Bring your group to the theatre and receive assistance with available seating allocation.

Make a group booking

Book your school group and receive assistance with available seating allocation.

Make a school booking

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

Discover More

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

  • The Visitors featuring the 2023 cast Image by Stephen Wilson Barker

    Clancestry The Visitors

    23 - 26 Jul 2025
    Playhouse

    It’s January 1788 and a mysterious fleet is amassing in the harbour. Seven clan leaders make a momentous decision: to send these strangers on their way or welcome them? 

  • Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    Clancestry Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    25 Jul 2025, From 6pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Experience some of the finest local First Nations artists in a night of free live music and storytelling.

  • Clancestry Weaving Workshops

    26 Jul & 2 Aug 2025
    Playhouse Lounge

    Come and learn to weave at Clancestry! Learn about the regeneration of traditional cultural practices using raffia or palm leaves to create your very own masterpiece.

  • Clancestry 2024 Smoking Ceremony Image by Red Handed Productions

    Clancestry First Gathering

    31 Jul 2025, 5:30pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Celebrate the First Nations cultures of Brisbane and mark the official opening of Clancestry 2025 with First Gathering.

  • Bangarra Dance Theatre – Illume

    Bangarra Dance Theatre Illume

    1 - 9 Aug 2025
    Playhouse

    Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light to experience this new theatrical experience, drawing together music, visual arts and dance.

  • Biggest Mobs Background artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

    Clancestry Biggest Mobs

    1 Aug 2025, 6pm
    Cremorne Theatre

    Get your mob together for a night of powerful, high-energy Blak music! An epic culmination of QPAC’s BlakBeats First Nations music development program.

  • Electric Fields

    Clancestry Electric Fields with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

    2 Aug 2025, 7:30pm
    Concert Hall

    Don’t miss Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields in this unique concert with the full power of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

  • Clancestry 2024 Mob Words Image by Lewis Bin Doraho

    Clancestry Live Art at Clancestry

    2 - 10 Aug 2025
    Melbourne Street Green & Town Square, Fish Lane

    Enjoy Live Art at Clancestry as artists create installations and paintings live throughout the festival.

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