The 2025 program features an outstanding line-up of genre-spanning artists: William Barton and Aunty Delmae Barton (29 April), Bunna Lawrie and family (14 May), Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu (7 August) and Naomi and Joel Wenitong (14 August).
The series offers a showcase of musical talent within four families, inviting each to share stories drawn from culture and community. These open forums give the artists space to discuss cross-generational influences in their family and to explore themes such as resilience, creativity, discrimination and empowerment in their music. All speakers will perform throughout the evening, often sharing the stage together, and will answer audience questions in a brief Q&A to close the night.
Michael Hutchings, Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House, shared: “The response to Generations & Dynasties from community and artists has been rich and rewarding. It’s a privilege to create a forum where this special intersection of culture, creativity and intergenerational exchange can be celebrated. We are so excited to bring the second series to life with such a stacked line-up of industry-leading musicians, who have all been inspirational innovators in their own ways. This series allows us to honour the living tradition that spans tens of thousands of years of sharing songs and stories here on Tubowgule, where the Opera House now stands.
GENERATIONS AND DYNASTIES 2025 PROGRAM
The Barton Family || William Barton and his mother Aunty Delmae Barton
Tuesday 29 April – in conversation with Rhyan Clapham aka Dobby (Murrawarri and Filipino)
An acclaimed didgeridoo player, multi-instrumentalist and composer, William Barton is celebrated for his unique fusion of traditional Indigenous music and contemporary influences. As a proud member of the Waanyi Nation, he has performed globally to promote Aboriginal culture through his art, collaborating with diverse artists to showcase his mastery of the didgeridoo. His mother, Aunty Delmae Barton, is renowned as Australia’s Dreamtime opera diva. With a rich career that spans regional Australia, national arts centres and on international stages including Canada, the UK, Italy, France and China, she is a trailblazing representative for Australia around the world.
The Lawrie Family || Bunna Lawrie and his children: Jason Scott, Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie, Yirgjhilya Lawrie and Catherine Satour
Wednesday 14 May – in conversation with Michael Hutchings (Arrernte heritage)
Bunna Lawrie is a proud Mirning Elder from the Nullarbor and founding member of Coloured Stone, carving a path as a groundbreaking First Nations band with their rock and reggae influenced sound. Bunna’s 1984 hit song “Black Boy”, which remains an anthem for First Nations people to this day, launched a highly influential career which has taken them all over the country and the world. Coloured Stone was always a family affair and it is no wonder Bunna’s children are also multi-talented musicians and artists forging careers in the music industry, across varied genres including rock, country, folk, soul and music for theatre.
The Anu Family || Christine Anu and her daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu
Thursday 7 August – in conversation with Jess Beck (Luritja)
Torres Strait Islander Christine Anu’s hugely successful three-decade career spans music, theatre, dance and film. With many awards to her name and ARIA charting music, Christine uses her voice and reputation to spread a message of hope and unity. Her daughter, Zipporah, is a rising performer in her own right, working across dance and music, and as a radio host. As a duo, the pair frequently perform together, including at NITV’s 10 Year Anniversary Concert at Uluru in 2022, the ABC’s January 26 Concert in 2020 and 2023, Mushroom’s 50th Anniversary and the 2024 AFL Grand Final Performance.
The Wenitong Family || Naomi Wenitong and her brother Joel “Weno” Wenitong
Thursday 14 August – in conversation with Shannon Williams aka Brothablack (Yiman – Ghungalu)
This brother-sister duo from Gubbi Gubbi Nation frequently perform together as The Last Kinection, merging hip-hop with storytelling, and addressing social issues, cultural identity and community in their music. Naomi, a gifted vocalist and songwriter, rose to fame as one-half of the successful pop duo Shakaya, gaining attention for blending pop and R&B with Aboriginal culture. Joel, better known as Weno, is a skilled rapper and producer who was a founding member of hip-hop act Local Knowledge.
Generations and Dynasties
Tuesday 29 April: William Barton and Aunty Delmae Barton
Wednesday 14 May: Bunna Lawrie and family
Thursday 7 August: Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu
Thursday 14 August: Naomi Wenitong and Joel Wenitong
Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
