Congratulations to Boomerang who have been nominated in Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!
We asked Lisa Whytockl of Boomerang the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Boomerang is a unique collaboration that celebrates the Indiginous culture and languages of Gaelic, Aboriginal and Maori people. Involving 23 artists it featured collaborations between musicians, dancers, festivals, producers and funders from all three nations. It was performed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Festival 2014, The HebCelt Fest in the Isle of Lewis, Sydney Opera House Homeground Festival and Womad New Zealand.
In January 2014 Breabach travelled to New Zealand and met the inspirational Moana and the Tribe and Horomona Horo. They explored similarities between Hakka and the pibroch which resulted in an amazing collaboration. Proud to play a pipe. They were joined by the award Winning Casey Donovan and Shellie Morris from Australia as well as Djakapurra and his cousin Aaron from Arnem Land from the Northern territories of Australia. The Songman and cultural leader of his Clan, Djakapurra is perhaps the most revered and respected Songman in Australia- he travelled for three days to join the rehearsals and has previously opened official ceremonies such as the Melbourne Commonwealth Games!
Locked away for a week together in New Zealand the artists under the musical direction of Calum MacCrimmon (Breabach) created a performance that expresses the cultural soul of each nation.
The Gaelic, Aboriginal and Maori Cultures share a commonality of threat. What the artists achieved was a performance centred in traditional heritage yet expressive of shared futures. A celebration of each other through music.
Each artist brought to the table amazing material and the final show was a genuine merging of music and dance, produced for the first time in the world.
Boomerang was a sharing of experience and similarity. In addition to the artistic collaborations a giant leap of faith was expressed by all of the presenting festivals who were a huge help in getting the show off the ground. The three producers, Lisa from Active Events, Rhoda from Sydney Opera House and Emere from Tihi New Zealand thank all of You!
Funding was also raised internationally and it was the first ever tri nations collaboration between Creative Scotland, Glasgow Life, Arts Council Australia, DFAT Australia and Creative New Zealand. Again it would not have been possible without your support. Thank you!
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Active have for 25 years believed that Scotland has a lot to offer. We passionately believe that International Connections will benefit all Scottish artists and we attempt to support not only our own roster of acts, but all Scottish acts through our proposals for recently established expo activities.
Thinking internationally is important, we are a small nation and if we want to benefit from brilliant music we need to assist artists with professional careers. We hope we do that. We hope that Boomerang illustrates this.
Importantly though – everyone needs partners and it’s a lot of a better world when you are working with like minded and inspired people who share values.
Boomerang needed all of us to make it happen!
Any particular career highlights?
Boomerang- truly. Producing this show along with Rhoda from Sydney Opera House and Emere from Tihi, now the artistic Director of Womad New Zealand was amazing! Working with all the musicians, festivals and funders was a huge experience and humbling.
The results were really special.
What are your plans for the future?
Boomerang would love to tour. We have lots of interested parties, so watch this space. It is a challenge though. 23 artists from three nations and in Australia it can take 3 days to get anywhere!
Read more about Boomerang
http://Facebook.com/Boomerang
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!
