‘Wantok: SING SING’ at Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House’s Message Sticks Festival presents the musical Wantok: SING SING, a haunting, uplifting and exhilarating epic journey that follows the songlines of the indigenous peoples of Oceania. Showcasing 20 singers, drummers, musicians and dancers, this state-of-the-art concert will be presented 22-24 March.

In Wantok: SING SING, performers take to the stage in a powerful mix of drumming, choral vocals, sublime world grooves and Samoan street hip-hop. For 90 upbeat and yet moving minutes, attendees will be transported from the glacial highlands of Papua New Guinea through the Torres Strait Islands and down into the vast deserts of Australia.

Created by seven-time ARIA award-winning songwriter and composer David Bridie and the internationally acclaimed Wantok Musik Foundation, SING SING – meaning a large musical gathering – has been wowing audiences since the mid-1990s. A unique concert performance, it draws on an ancient heritage for a stunning celebration of dance and song.

The region’s most significant artists, including George Telek, Frank Yamma, Vika and Linda Bull, Ego Lemos and many more, will come together for this production. Tickets start at $34. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/singsing.

Sydney Opera House officials recommend making a big night of it. First, attendees can watch ‘Dancestry’ – a spellbinding mix of ancient ritual, dance and song at 5 p.m. on the harbour (for free). Then after the show they can relax under the stars with resident musicians in Late Nights at Bar Badu (also free). For more ways to experience the best of the festival, visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_Sticks/Itinerary.aspx.