News
Live from Thursday Island
Hidden Republic reveals the undiminished spirit in the music of Aboriginal Australia and songs which celebrate identity and understanding for all Australians.
On Friday 17 July, the Queensland Music Festival will launch spectacularly into life with the largest concert ever to be performed on Thursday Island.
The Black Arm Band’s Hidden Republic, featuring 25 of Australia's leading singers, songwriters, musicians and performers will be backed by 33 members of the Queensland Youth Symphony to create an exhilarating concert in the heart of the Torres Strait.
The performance will be webcast live into Brisbane’s CBD at Brisbane Square located at the top of the Queen Street Mall, to symbolically link the furthest tip of the State with its southern capital and give Brisbane audiences the opportunity to witness this landmark event.
Artistic Director Deborah Conway describes this free concert event as “nothing less than a musical celebration of joy…. since the stunning national response to murundak in 2006, The Black Arm Band has been increasingly sought after on the international stage.â€
Featuring David Arden, Mark Atkins, Lou Bennett, Sally Dastey, Emma Donovan, Kutcha Edwards, Bevan Gabanbulu, Joe Geia, Shane Howard, Ruby Hunter, Bunna Lawrie, Rachael Maza Long, Shellie Morris, Stephen Pigram, Archie Roach, Amy Saunders, Dan Sultan, and Ursula Yovich, this is the first time a performance of this size and calibre has been seen on Thursday Island.
"To smile, to laugh, to shed a tear, to dream, to be challenged, to hope, to be inspired. What more could one want from a night out." - Arts Hub
The Queensland Music Festival is a state-wide biennial celebration of musical excellence that makes the joy of music accessible to all. Whether your primary interest is in serious contemporary music, world music, regional cultural development or just taking in fantastic entertainment, QMF offers 44 events in over 20 regions throughout the State to connect with.
The Festival ignites artistic potential throughout Queensland. Working in collaboration with local councils and regional communities, QMF inspires participation in music-making and performance that reflects local culture and tells local stories.
EVENT DETAILS
THURSDAY ISLAND – FREE EVENT
Fri 17 July
Events from 6:00pm
BRISBANE SQUARE – FREE EVENT
Live webcast to a large screen Brisbane Square, located at the top of Queens St Mall.
Fri 17 July
Events from 6:30pm
Hidden Republic is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Queensland Government, Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Torres Strait Regional Authority and Brisbane City Council.
Hidden Republic has received financial assistance from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Blueprint for the Bush, Q150 and the Department of Communities.
Hidden Republic was developed with support from the City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria, the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Australian Government through the Australia Council
for the Arts, it's arts funding and advisory body through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board and the Music Board, and is presented with support from the Community Partnerships
Section. Developed and Produced by Arts House, a City of Melbourne contemporary arts initiative.
For further information go to www.qmf.org.au
