Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse to come to Manjimup Town Hall

West Australian performers Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse will be bringing their vocals and range of songs in the Noongar language to the Manjimup Town Hall on September 1 for their show Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing). Through their passion for the Noongar language intertwined with the power of music and storytelling, the multi-award-winning duo will take audiences on a journey through the four principles that guide their work, including Koort (heart), Moort (family and community), Boodja (land and connection to country) and Koorlangka (children and legacy), when they perform at the Town Hall in Manjimup. Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka hopes to be a celebration of the rare Noongar language and the things shared as a community. Southern Forests Arts artistic director Fiona Sinclair said the concert was an opportunity for those wanting to hear the Noongar language sung to hear it in person and to learn about the language and songs sung in it. “Gina and Guy will be performing the whole concert in the Noongar language, but they’ll talk in between each of the songs to explain what they are saying in their language,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to hear amazing musicians that talk in an ancient language, I think it’s a fantastic chance hear the language of this land sung for all to enjoy.” She noted the significance of the Noongar language and the culture behind the language and the performers who would be coming down to Manjimup. “Aboriginal culture is the longest continuous culture on the planet, it’s something that all Australians should be immensely proud of and I don’t understand why they are not so curious to learn more.” “There are 400 Noongar language speakers, and Gina is one of them and she is passionate in sharing this language with others. Ms Sinclair encouraged those curious or intrigued to “come with an open mind” and enjoy the concert. “Just come along, even if you’re a bit curious and never had heard Noongar language be spoken,” she said. “Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a full heart.” Since 2014, the award-winning duo have released four albums, two books, two works for the Perth Festival, Koorlangka and Koort, and an opera called Koolbardi wer Wardong. They toured the UK in October and November and will be premiering their latest Opera, Wundig wer Wilura, which was commissioned by the West Australian Opera, in 2024. The doors open at 7pm, with the show beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets are available online through Humantix and are also available at the door.