“As close to heaven as we can hope for in this lifetime.” Sydney Morning Herald
WOMADelaide, where the world breathes deeply in perfect cultural harmony, returns in 2008 to Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Park for another joyous three-day celebration of the world of music, arts and dance.
Extraordinary artists come together to create a unique weekend, their performances complemented by a diverse program of workshops, visual arts, culinary sessions, children’s activities and a global village of food, drink, arts and crafts.
The preview line-up for 2008 is:
Cesária Évora/Cape Verde
Nicknamed the barefoot diva, Cesária Évora is a legendary singer. Her soulful, evocative songs are in a style known as morna – sung in Creole Portuguese and related to Portuguese fado and Brazilian modinha. Since recording her first hit album in 1988, Evora has enjoyed a stellar international performing career.
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings/USA
Singer Sharon Jones has earned the title of America’s Queen of Soul since collaborating in the late-1990s with Bosco Mann and the Dap-Kings – the star-studded house band of the Daptone Records label and icons of New York’s Deep Funk scene.
By arrangement with Billions Australia.
The Black Arm Band in ‘MURUNDAK’/Australia
Murundak, a powerful musical event with accompanying film images, features a 32-piece ‘super-band’ of Australian Indigenous artists, including Stephen Pigram, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Lou Bennett, Joe Geia and Kev Carmody. Assembled by musical directors Shane Howard and David Arden in 2006 for the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Murundak draws on the history of Indigenous struggle and the music it inspired.
Presented in association with Arts House.
Taraf de Haidouks/Romania
From Europe’s largest Gypsy community comes a masterful Lautari ensemble. This “band of outlaws” – a dozen ace players from the village of Clejani – generate irresistible rhythms propelled by twin accordions and a rocking slapped bass, fiddles, cimbalom and pyrotechnic vocals.
Black Grace/New Zealand
Black Grace has cut an imposing figure on the world stage for 12 years as New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company, thanks to the robust athleticism of Neil Ieremia’s dynamic choreographic vision.
Supported by Creative New Zealand.
Titi Robin/France
Thierry “Titi” Robin plays oud, bouzouki and guitar and borrows from the sounds of Andalusia, North Africa, the Middle East and India. With a career that spans 20 years his stage performances with his six-piece ensemble are exotic, exuberant and free-spirited.
Terem Quartet/Russia
Injecting fresh life into traditional Russian folk music, Terem Quartet weaves its performances with humour and breathtaking musical energy. This St Petersburg ensemble returns to Adelaide after triumphant 1990s WOMADelaide performances.
Dr Natesan Ramani/India
Revered as one of the most eminent modern flute players in the Carnatic (South Indian) tradition, Natesan Ramani mesmerises audiences with the piercing clarity of his simple bamboo soprano flute.
By arrangement with the Nataraj Cultural Centre and with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Billy Cobham Septet/USA
Iconic jazz drummer Billy Cobham delighted 2007 audiences with his masterly 50-minute unaccompanied drum solo and as Musical Director of the All-Star Gala. He returns with a new septet, creating free-flowing musical improvisations.
La Compagnie Carabosse/France
This extraordinary ensemble – working with hundreds of candle-pots – will create a spectacular flame sculpture each evening, transforming Botanic Park into a beautifully illuminated, surreal world of flames, lit ceremonially at sunset.
TICKETS
3-Day Festival Pass*
Adults $195 Conc $145 **Groups (10+) $165
Friends $165 phone bookings only.
Full Program Line-Up and schedule out in January.
*Gate Price Adults $225 Conc $175
**Cut off date for Groups & Friends 22 February.
Single session tickets on sale with full program release in January.
Children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Book at womadelaide.com.au or Venue*Tix 1300 30 40 72 and selected Australia Post outlets
Produced and presented by the WOMADelaide Foundation and managed by Arts Projects Australia and Womad Ltd. Presented in association with the Government of South Australia and proudly supported by United Water.
Presented as part of Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts. For further information visit womadelaide.com.au
Image: Tony Lewis
