nyilamum song cycles

nyilamum song cycles is a concert experience featuring string quartet and voice that intertwines ancient stories and a celebration of language with contemporary reflections on land, identity, and resilience showcasing music from Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung Dr Lou Bennett AM, and Paul Stanhope. 

nyilamum song cycles debuted at the prestigious 2024 String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam and garnered five-star reviews from its Australian Premiere at the 2025 Adelaide Festival. It has since won a 2025 CreateSA Ruby Award (Outstanding Collaboration) and the 2025 Paul Lowin Song Cycle Prize, and was a finalist in the 2025 APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards (Chamber Music Work of the Year).

QUOTES

“…the earth seemed to rip open and turned the Muziekgebouw into an enchanting universe…”—De Nieuwe Muze 

"The standing ovation that greets nyilamum song cycles is justly deserved, and one must hope this mesmeric work will soon weave its magic around the entire country."—★★★★★ Limelight 

“…compelling and atmospheric across an absolute language barrier…”—The Guardian 

ARTISTS

Dr Lou Bennett AM, voice
Australian String Quartet 
Dale Barltrop, violin 
Francesca Hiew, violin 
Chris Cartlidge, viola 
Michael Dahlenburg, cello 

Image credit: Eduardus Lee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Commissioned by the ASQ with generous support from the nyilamum – song cycles Commissioning Circle and other donors. 

Presented in association with Australian String Quartet and Binung Boorigan Pty Ltd with generous support from the ASQ’s nyilamum – song cycles Commissioning Circle.

Approximate Duration: 1 hour - no interval

Warnings: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned the subject matter of this performance includes stories of the deceased. 

This performance is part of the Signature Works we're presenting in 2026. For details of other productions please visit our Signature Works web page.