The Desert Song Festival returns to Alice Springs today with a multicultural musical celebration that showcases Central Australia’s artistic brilliance, and salutes its cultural diversity.
Headline acts from across the region, nation and countries including South Africa, India, Mali, and the US have gathered in Alice Springs for the intercultural musical extravaganza, now in its eleventh year.
From 8 – 17 September there will be more than 40 events featuring soloists, choirs, vocal ensembles, concerts, workshops, and masterclasses set in various venues across the town; as well as a cultural visit to Ntaria (Hermannsburg), and a cappella performance at Ormiston Gorge.
The Festival officially opens with a Parade of Performers in Todd Mall at 5:30pm. This event offers a glimpse into the skills, cultures, lands, and languages of performers who will entertain locals and visitors over the coming ten days.
Through its Community Benefit Fund, the Territory Labor Government is supporting the popular festival for the next three years with $125,000 per year. NT Major Events Company has also contributed to the funding pool for this year’s event.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Lauren Moss:
“Performing arts has a significant role in the Territory – encouraging creativity, improving liveability, creating cohesive communities, and driving economic growth.
“Events like the Desert Song Festival are not only fabulous ways to celebrate our singers and musicians, they also add to the vibrancy of the Territory and stimulate tourism, and that’s why the Territory Labor Government is a big fan and a proud supporter.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby:
“The Desert Song Festival celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of Central Australia, and helps to place the region as a leading events destination.
“There is an impressive line-up of performers from a range of countries and cultures who will join local musicians from across the region to make this ten-day musical extravaganza entertaining and memorable.”
Quotes attributable to Desert Song Festival Event Co-ordinator Morris Stuart:
“The Desert Song Festival attracts performers from across Australia and the world who will be performing at unique locations of outstanding beauty and cultural significance across Arrernte country.
“Our Festival has been generously supported by NT Government arts funding since it began in 2013, and this has secured our place as a major event on the Central Australian arts and entertainment events calendar.”
