Bringing traditional Australian Indigenous music together with Indian classical music was on my personal bucket list,” said Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, as the illuminated ramparts of Purana Qila set the stage for an unusual musical collaboration in Delhi. Titled Sacred Pathways: Where Ragas Meet Songlines, the concert brought together Australian Indigenous musician William Barton, known for his mastery of the didgeridoo, and sitar maestro Shubhendra Rao. The performance put two ancient musical traditions in conversation, with the didgeridoo’s earthy resonance meeting the sitar’s meditative sound, as the two paid tribute to the Earth and Goddess Saraswati through the jugalbandi.
Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner
Titled Sacred Pathways: Where Ragas Meet Songlines, the concert brought together Australian Indigenous musician William Barton, known for his mastery of the didgeridoo, and sitar maestro Shubhendra Rao
‘The collaboration recognises both cultures’ shared belief in music as a sacred bond with the land’For the High Commissioner, the evening was part of a larger effort to deepen cultural understanding between the two countries. “While Indian audiences are familiar with Australian cricket and its major cities, the music of Australia’s Indigenous communities remains less widely known. Many Australians encounter India through familiar references such as cricket and butter chicken, without necessarily appreciating the country’s cultural breadth.”
William Barton
William and Shubhendra had been in touch before the performance, but had spent only around three hours playing together in person. Much of the musical exchange therefore involved improvisation, said Shubhendra, adding, “This interaction between the ancient traditions of Indian and Australian Aboriginal traditions serves as an artistic bridge between the two cultures. This collaboration recognises that both cultures share fundamental principles: music as a sacred relationship with the land, the transmission of ancient wisdom through generations. We are just going to get better in the upcoming concerts.”
My music is about sharing space. I want the audience to hear our life stories through music, a language that connects us all
Didgeridoo maestro William Barton
Nishit Gangani on the tabla
Sitar maestro Shubhendra Rao
During the performance, William engaged the audience and asked them to mimic sounds of the zipping cars and kangaroos.
Lithuanian Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene and European Union Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet
Meenakshi Lekhi and Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture
