A celebration of Timorese music, culture and storytelling comes to Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Timor-Leste may be Australia’s closest neighbour, but few Australians have had the chance to truly feel what makes the country so special. Soon, thanks to a collaboration between our two nations, we will – for one night only.
On 20 November, Melbourne Recital Centre will host a celebration of the talents of Timor-Leste, titled Timor-Leste – Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria – Our Voices, Our Stories.
Organised in arrangement with First Nations record label and cultural foundation Wantok Musik, it will be a night of community, collaboration, and creativity, all set within the hallowed Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Timor-Leste – Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria – Our Voices, Our Stories
- When: 20 Nov, 7.30pm
- Where: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre
- Tickets here
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Paolo Almeida, music project manager at the Wantok Music, writes to us from his desk overlooking an old cemetery in Timor-Leste’s capital city, Dili.
“It’s quite an interesting contrast,” he says. “On one side, you have a place filled with history, memories and generations of Timorese people, while all around you the city is changing and developing, with major construction and infrastructure projects underway in preparation for Timor-Leste hosting ASEAN in 2029. It’s a reminder of how far the country has come.”
As one of the youngest countries in the world, having only officially gained its independence 24 years ago after a long and treacherous fight for freedom, Timor-Leste has a rich and diverse range of influences.
“What makes Timor-Leste so culturally unique is its mix of indigenous traditions, Portuguese influences and strong community and Catholic values.
“It has many different languages and cultural groups, each with their own traditions, music, dances and stories.
“Things like tais weaving, traditional sacred houses (Uma Lulik), oral storytelling and music are deeply connected to the identity of its people,” says Almeida.
“For me, what really stands out is the strength, resilience, warmth and hospitality of the Timorese people. Family, community, respect for elders and connection to their ancestors are central to everyday life.
“Despite its difficult history, Timor-Leste has maintained a very strong sense of cultural identity and pride.”
Musically, this results in an interesting and unusual blend of styles. Some artists stick to tradition, playing indigenous instruments such as the babadok (a type of single-headed shoulder drum) and bamboo flutes. Others experiment with more modern genres.
“Music has changed and evolved over the years in Timor with Portuguese and Indonesian influences also,” he says. “Nowadays many of the younger generation opt for reggae, RnB, hip hop, jazz, metal and many more.”
At the upcoming show, guests will get to experience the whole breadth, with three Timorese stars at the centre of the action.
Contemporary folk singer IzuPi will blend reggae and Tebe rhythms with stories of resilience and resistance against the occupation, emerging act Jovie will bring her soulful voice and sharp songwriting, and Lolobremu, hailing from the tiny coastal city of of Liquiçá, will bring his signature blend of traditional Timorese instruments and melodies with contemporary piano arrangements.
Also performing will be renowned cellist and composer Helen Mounfort, First Nations artist Candice Lorrae, the high-energy Dili Allstars alongside David Bridie, Timor’s very own legend and Permaculture Ambassador Ego Lemos and local Timorese cultural dance group Timor Oan’s.
The show draws its talent from Wantok Music’s Hamoris Lian Timor project, which aims to preserve Timor-Leste’s works and create opportunities for next-generation acts.
“We travelled across different regions of Timor-Leste, working with local musicians and communities to record traditional songs, dances and stories, while creating opportunities for artists to collaborate and share their work with wider audiences,” says Almeida.
They’ll have CDs of these recordings available to buy at the Recital Centre event, but Almeida tells us the night will be about much more than just the music.
“It’s about sharing our stories, celebrating our identity and making sure Timor-Leste’s culture continues to be heard by future generations.
“I’m proud to be part of Wantok Musik and the work we’re doing to create opportunities for Timorese artists, particularly younger generations and women, to share their voices with the world.
“I also hope audiences come away with a greater appreciation of Timor-Leste, our people and our culture. We are close neighbours, and there is so much more we can share with each other through music, arts and storytelling.”
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
