There are some experiences so powerfully moving that they stay with you for years to come. Australian Baroque’s The Six Noongar Seasons, in collaboration with Gina Williams AM and the West Australian Opera, was one I had the honour of experiencing.
While Vivaldi brought us the Four Seasons, Noongar composer Aaron Wyatt presented six concertos, brought to life by the talented musicians of Australian Baroque. Each piece was preceded by Gina Williams reciting her poignant words, first in Noongar, then its English translation, introducing the Noongar seasons: Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.
Rooted in a deep connection to Country, the Noongar seasons are dictated by the land, nature and temperature changes – a striking contrast to the four seasons of the Gregorian calendar.
What resonated with me was the distinct feel of each section – the first heat of Birak, to the fiery intensity of Bunuru, to the transitionary weather of Djeran – the steady pizzicato of strings embodying the calm breaths of the cooling earth. Then to the bitter cold of Makuru bringing with it the rain – the concerto portraying a sense of urgency as the land soaks up some much needed moisture; before bringing the new life of Djilba, as the land awakens once more from its hibernation. And finally, the climactic joyful celebration of Kambarang, with the lyrical melody of the violins and harpsichord.
While Wyatt, a highly accomplished musician in his own right, left the performing to the wonderfully talented musicians of Australian Baroque, including director and violin soloist Helen Kruger, his voice was evident in every note, and his passion for Country proudly prominent.
That, coupled with Gina Williams’ gift of narrating the essence of the seasons, made for a night of profound beauty and reverence. Even more moving is that Williams revealed that she writes first in Noongar, before translating it to English. For it to translate so evocatively makes me wonder how much more beautiful its meaning would be in its original form.
“Together we walk this land, watching and listening to this land’s song/
And we sing”
And sing they did. A night I won’t soon forget.
Sadly, The Six Noongar Seasons was only performed on Thursday 1 Oct 2026, however a national tour is planned for 2027. Read Gina Williams AM’s full poem here