Christine Anu weaves her story in music and countertenor Iestyn Davies makes his Australian debut

The Music Show

Australian music icon and proud Torres Strait Islander Christine Anu has just released her first album of new music in 20 years. Waku-Minaral A Minalay was recorded across the Pacific in places like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait Islands and the Solomon Islands - utilising traditional percussion instruments like the Warup (drums), the Urub (shakers) and the Kulap (seed pot rattles). It’s a deeply personal bilingual album which includes songs written by Christine Anu, her grandfather and her daughter.

British countertenor Iestyn Davies is about to make his Australian debut singing music by JS Bach and Arvo Pärt alongside the Australian Chamber Orchestra and dancers from Sydney Dance Company. He speaks to Andrew Ford about what links these two composers (born nearly three centuries apart) and the changing attitudes, and repertoire, for high male voices.

Christine Anu performs at the Mt Isa Rodeo on 8 August, at Cairns Festival on 23 August and at North Australian Festival of Arts on 13 October.

Iestyn Davies performs with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company in Silence & Rapture from 2-19 August.

Music in Christine Anu's interview:

Title: Aukum of SaibaiComposer: Christine Anu, David BridieArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029

Title: Koey Dhoerim Composer: Nadi AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029

Title: My Popu Nadhi AnuComposer: Christine Anu, David BridieArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029

Title: Laga Saibai Composer: Nadi AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029

Title: Dhibagaw GabuComposer: Zipporah Corser AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Music in Iestyn Davies' interview:

Title: King DavidComposer: Herbert Howells, words Walter de la MareArtist: Iestyn DaviesAlbum: Divine Music: An English SongbookLabel: Signum Classics SIGCD725

Title: 'Wer Sünde tut, der ist vom Teufel' from Cantata No. 54, 'Widerstehe doch der Sünde,' BWV 54 (BC A51)Composer: Johann Sebastian BachArtist: Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen conductorAlbum: Cantatas Nos 54, 82 & 170Label: Hyperion CDA68111

Title: Or la tromba (from Rinaldo)Composer: George Frideric HandelArtist: Iestyn Davies, La Nuova Musica, artistic director David BatesAlbum: Handel’s Unsung HeroesLabel: Pentatone 5186892

Music at the end of the show:

Title: (I’m) StrandedArtist: The SaintsComposer: Chris Bailey, Ed KuepperAlbum: (I’m) StrandedLabel: EMI -- EMC-2570

Technical production by Russell Stapleton

The Music Show is produced on Gadigal and Gundungurra Country