Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

In 2020 William Barton was awarded the Powerhouse Indigenous Cultural Development Residency. The Commissioning Residency took place at the Sydney Observatory, with William’s collaborator musician Véronique Serret. The result of the residency is a new commissioned work, Songlines of our Universe which was inspired by the Sydney Observatory, the Southern Sky and the Powerhouse Museum collection.

As a featured event of Sydney Solstice, the Powerhouse will present the world premiere of Songlines of our Universe within the grounds of the Sydney Observatory, one of the most significant sites in the nation’s scientific history. The commission is made up of six movements which will be performed live by internationally renowned William Barton and Véronique Serret over four exclusive nights under the stars.

Join us for the world-premiere of this work and gaze at the stars while enjoying this unique live performance. Sydney Observatory astronomers will facilitate the viewing of astronomical objects with outdoor telescopes that inspired the commission including the Milky Way and Andromeda. A winter themed food and beverage offer will be available from leading NSW produce and wine makers to compliment the performance.

The bar will be offering a selection of beverages from leading NSW wineries and breweries, including Lock & Key Hilltops, Margan, Printhie Wines and the locally crafted Sydney Brewery Lovedale Lager.

Sydney-based food truck Agape Organic will be serving a specially curated menu by chef Simon Lawson, highlighting NSW produce, including a wattleseed crusted Australian wagyu rump steak, quinoa crumbed eggplant with cherry tomato salsa and lemon yoghurt fried cauliflower.

Please note that this is an outdoor event.

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• Performer William Barton
• Performer Veronique Serret