I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with the Grace Notes Singers on a new piece for choir, which had its premier on 4th May 2025 at the Choral@Melbourne festival. The piece is called Buhnyi, and I am forever indebted to Githabul elders and community for their collaboration and help to bring it to life, and connecting it to spirit and country. Many thanks to Aunty Delphine Charles, Nathan Charles, and Melissa Chalmers for their support and sharing of knowledge and language for this piece.
Buhnyi is the Githabul word for Bunya nut, and it refers to the great harvest festival of Bunya nuts held every few years in the Bunya Mountains, on Wakka Wakka country north of Githabul country, prior to and after colonisation. Githabul people would travel along Muyum, what is now known as the Condamine River, to reach the mountains and participate in the feast and ceremonies that took place there. This song is about that journey, and about togetherness and community, from the perspective of those Githabul travellers.
The Grace Notes Singers are a fantastic SSAA choir based in the Moonee Valley, Melbourne, and their musical director is Ed Chan. I am so grateful for their support and wonderful performance of the piece. Look them up and go see them perform - it warms the soul.
Grace Notes Singers performing Buhnyi within the Good Shepherd Chapel at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, 4th May 2025.