There was a hum of excitement around Warrung/Circular Quay yesterday as the city showcased blak excellence. DanceRites, the country’s only First Nations dance competition had taken over the Opera House forecourt. And inside the House, Electric Fields joined the Sydney Symphony for a very special show in the Concert Hall.
The Opera House and the Symphony are cultural icons, not just for this city but for this nation. But Electric Fields are quickly establishing themselves as an act that’s every bit as important for this country. Witnessing the Symphony and Electric Fields coming together in this iconic place is something I’ll forever hold close to my heart.
There was a reverence in the air as Zaachariaha Fielding, Michael Ross, and their backing vocalists took their places in front of the Symphony. It hung in the air as they opened with “Anpuru Maau Kutjpa,” an Inma in the Yankunytjatjara language passed down through generations. The idea that music is a universal language has become somewhat of a cliché. But listening to this traditional song featuring lyrics that I didn’t understand rendered so beautifully here, all I could do was feel.
It was magic, leaving us all in a bit of a dream state, until Electric Fields woke us up with “Shade Away” and encouraged us all to get on our feet. We were happy to oblige, feeling the music in a different way as we moved in time with the irresistible beats. Electric Fields know how to create a dancefloor banger and they turned the Concert Hall into a party.
We bounced between those energetic bops and more sombre moments, embracing the twists and turns. I got goosebumps listening to their beautiful rendition of Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s “From Little Things Big Things Grow.” As a Eurovision fan, I relished dancing along to “2000 and Whatever” and “One Milkali (One Blood).”
I marvelled at Zaachariaha Fielding’s incredible voice. I knew it was good from those recordings and live performances on TV, but sharing space with him made me appreciate its commanding beauty even more. The orchestral backing elevated this music, giving it extra gravitas. There was something so beautiful about the coming together of the Symphony, a white symbol for arts and culture, and the oldest living culture on the planet. I loved being a part of that too. Zaachariaha encouraged us to sing along, taking the time to teach us some of those Indigenous lyrics and explain their meaning. It was all just so special.
This show with Electric Fields and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was transformative. To witness such talent on stage in such a welcoming space, to feel moved and energised in equal measures, was incredible.
Image source: own photos