Transcending cultural boundaries through bold re-imaginings of musical traditions, Water Song promises something entirely new; a sonically mesmerising collaboration inspired by water.
Water Song invites listeners to honour the stories water holds and the deep bonds it creates across time, space, and cultures. This rare cross-cultural collaboration is led by acclaimed South Korean vocalist Sunny Kim and composed by Ensemble Ochaye. The instrumentation is unique and evocative, featuring Aviva Endean (clarinets), Gelareh Pour (kamancheh, vocals), Mindy Meng Wang (guzheng) and Zoë Barry (cello). Each artist reshapes her instrument into a voice entirely her own, weaving tradition with fearless experimentation.
“Sunny Kim’s voice sings, murmurs, cajoles, and whispers with intelligence, clarity, and beauty… she has more than enough chops to run away with the show” – The Australian
Supported by UKARIA Cultural Centre and Creative Australia. Commissioned by Perth Festival, Adelaide Festival, Asia TOPA and Melbourne Recital Centre.
Cost
Standard Tickets
$75 Adult
$65 Concession
$60 Members
$55 Youth (under 18)
Bundle & Save
Save up to $20 per ticket, when you purchase tickets to 3 or more concerts
All tickets include entry to the Art Museum and the Homestead & Arthur Boyd Studio
Location
170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Plan Your Visit
Strictly No BYO
Performers
Sunny Kim‘s powerful voice anchors the ensemble’s sound, blending eclectic influences of jazz, traditional Korean singing and her vocal explorations with Yolngu manikay songmen.
Mindy Meng Wang introduces audiences to the Chinese guzheng which she plays with bold textures and innovative techniques, creating a sound that bridges ancient traditions and contemporary expression.
Gelareh Pour plays the Iranian kamancheh, a bowed string instrument often described as the soulful voice of Persian classical music. Pour reimagines the kamancheh as both a storyteller and a sonic adventurer in this ensemble.
Aviva Endean expands the ensemble’s soundscape with clarinets and invented woodwind instruments, crafting unexpected layers and textures.
Zoë Barry’s cello adds depth and resonance, moving seamlessly between anchoring harmonies and lyrical flights of improvisation. Electronics merging acoustic and digital worlds into a cohesive and vibrant sound.
The Boyd Music Series
The Boyd Music Series presents a collection of the world’s leading chamber musicians and renowned soloists from eastern and western classical traditions, featuring Australian debut performances.
The series is curated by Genevieve Lacey and developed in collaboration with Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music Series. Returning for its second year in 2026, there will be six evocative concerts set against the backdrop of Bangli / the Shoalhaven River with Alexander Boyd, CzechMate, Sunny Kim’s Ensemble Ochaye, duo Liam Byrne and Laura Vaughan, Ensemble Offspring, and the Australian Guitar Quartet.
