ARIA Award-winning virtuoso didgeridoo player William Barton and powerhouse violinist Véronique Serret will perform Heartland at Bank Art Museum Moree on Saturday evening, with tickets still available.
Born in Kalkadunga country at Mount Isa in Queensland, Barton began learning didgeridoo at around age seven from his uncle, an elder of the Waanyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga peoples.
At 17, Barton made his classical debut, performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, launching a remarkable crossover into the orchestral scene.
Barton has toured and performed with major ensembles including the London Philharmonic and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras.
He composed and premiered works at WOMADelaide and Edinburgh Festival and, in 2008, was one of three composers featured in the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony representing Australia to a global audience.
In 2019, Barton performed for Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London – the first Indigenous Australian artist to perform at a Commonwealth Day service.
Barton’s awards include an ARIA Award for Best Classical Album – Kalkadungu Birdsong at Dusk – and Sydney Theatre Award for Best Original Score, The Long Forgotten Dream.
In 2021, he won the Don Banks Music Award in 2021, long regarded the Australia Council’s highest music honour for lifetime contribution.
Two years later, Barton was named Queensland Australian of the Year, as well as being nominated for the Australian of the Year Award.
Veronique Serret is a versatile violinist, vocalist, and composer, who seamlessly blends classical and contemporary art forms.
Her musical style draws from a rich mix of folk, rock, experimental jazz, dance and improvisation, making her one of Australia’s most dynamic musicians.
Equally at ease on the concert stage and the rock’n’roll scene, Véronique, affectionately known as the “Girl from Guildford,” has carved a unique niche for herself by leading string sections for rock bands, indie artists, film scores, and studio recordings.
A sought-after leader, chamber musician, mentor, and collaborator, Véronique is renowned for her inclusive sound world, musical adaptability and openness to working across genres.
She is also celebrated for her innovative use of the six-string electric violin.
Deeply appreciative of her early classical training and the guidance of her teachers and mentors, Véronique has spent decades collaborating with iconic Australian institutions, including Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Dance Company, and serving as concertmaster of the Darwin Symphony.
BAMM director Rosie Dennis said Barton has brought First Nations music to stages and audiences all over the world, and is now performing at a one-night-only concert at BAMM.
“It’s quite easy to see why we’re excited – and this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Ms Dennis said.
“We encourage everyone to book tickets to hear astounding, mesmerising and profoundly connected music by some of the most renowned musicians on the planet as they perform their award-winning album, Heartland, on Saturday.
“William and Véronique merge traditional songlines with modern storytelling in a captivating collaboration, and feature the poetic works of William’s mother, Aunty Delmae Barton
“This concert promises to be an unforgettable highlight of 2025,” she said.
Heartland: William Barton and Véronique Serret
When: Saturday, August 2
Where: BAMM Galley
Time: 6pm
Tickets: $59
Book Here: Tickets for Heartland
