Sydney Conservatorium of Music Barayagal Choir - Yilaaluu

Yilaaluu is a Gamilaraay word that translates to 'a long time ago' and is also the same word used to me 'a long time ahead.' What does it mean for a language, a people and a world view to have one word meaning these two very different concepts? Firstly, it points to a very different relationship to time, suggesting a circular, rhythmic expanse within which we float. Many mobs call this existence within fluid time as 'Dreaming.' Secondly it reaffirms our connections to people, those of the past and those that are yet to come.

Yilaaluu is closeness to distant generations as if they are standing at our side, always. Finally Yilaaluu speaks of the importance of the present. With great expanses either side, this very moment is the one in which we live, in which we laugh, we talk, we share, we think, we cry, we grieve and in which we sing.

Barayagal began as a way for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to engage with First Nations people and culture. It is an exploration and journeying through song, singing a uniquely Australian story - that of a long time ago and a long time ahead.

Nardi Simpson

Barayagal Choir: Annie Fenwicke, Audrey Minami, Amanda Harris, Avril Harris-La Flamme, Jodie Kell, Marie Chellos, Kim Bulkeley, Gabby Florek, Kaleena Smith, Lorraine Towers, Natasha Baker, Sue Atkinson, Kathryn Farrell, Amanda Niland, Angela Collins.

Supported by Dr Kevin Hunt, piano