Sydney Opera House Presents Generations and Dynasties

Sydney — Wednesday 28 February 2024

The Sydney Opera House today announced the inaugural series of Generations and Dynasties, an intimate showcase of the diversity of musical talent within three esteemed First Nations families. Across three special evenings of conversation, storytelling, and song, the Jarrett father and sons (24 April), Briscoe mothers and daughters (1 May) and Cassar-Daley father/daughter duo (9 May) will celebrate the important role of family and community in First Nations artistry.

The events will be hosted by the Sydney Opera House’s own First Nations programming team – Michael Hutchings and Jess Beck – who will invite each family to share stories drawn from their heritage, and discuss the intergenerational exchange of creativity and the resilience of First Nations cultures. Live performances will be interspersed throughout the evenings, and end with the opportunity for audiences to engage in a brief Q&A. 

Sydney Opera House’s Head of First Nations programming, Michael Hutchings, said: “Generations and Dynasties is an aspirational series, with each event aiming to bring together people of all walks of life to celebrate creativity and culture. Our line-up of artists for the inaugural series defies genre, and demonstrates the rise of contemporary First Nations music to the force that we see reflected in the industry today. We are incredibly proud to honour these creative trailblazing families and give space to thoughtful and challenging conversations alongside joyful ones, in a life-affirming journey through storytelling and song.”

GENERATIONS AND DYNASTIES 2024 PROGRAM

Will Jarrett (Wire MC) and sons Tasman Keith and Sammy J (Kapital J)
Wednesday 24 April – in conversation with Michael Hutchings (Arrernte heritage)
Gumbaynggirr men who grew up on the Bowraville Mission and in Sydney, the Jarrett family are synonymous with hip-hop. Wire MC (Will Jarrett) is one of the most important figures in the development of hip-hop in this country, helping to forge a path for First Nations artists with his uncompromising stance on what it means to be an Aboriginal man. Following in his footsteps, his sons, Tasman Keith and Sammy J, are fast on the rise in the music industry, frequently working as co-collaborators. Both independent artists who forge their own path while remaining true to their roots, Tasman is an award-winning rapper and singer-songwriter, while Kapital J is an acclaimed producer and DJ.

Deline Briscoe, Naurita Briscoe, Merindi Schrieber, Felicity Schrieber, Kiara Briscoe, Shennaye Briscoe, Merindi Ingram and JadeAmali Leuga
Wednesday 1 May – in conversation with Jess Beck (Luritja Nation)
The three sisters from Kuku Yalanji country – the Daintree Region of Far North Queensland – have been forging careers in music and as cultural workers for over two decades. Their journey as performers began as a trio, starting as a folk infused group before breaking out into their own distinctive solo careers as artists, singers and songwriters. Now the sisters are joined in their artistry by the next generation, with Deline’s daughters Merindi and JadeAmali, Naurita’s daughters Kiara and Shennaye, and Merindi’s daughter Felicity appearing on the line-up for this special evening.

Troy Cassar-Daley and daughter Jem Cassar-Daley
Thursday 9 May – in conversation with Michael Hutchings (Arrernte heritage)
With five ARIA Awards and 40 Golden Guitars to his name, Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man Troy Cassar-Daley has been sharing his musicianship and love of storytelling for over 30 years. Jem Cassar-Daley has come into her own as a contemporary indie-pop artist with a world-class sound. Her captivating performances and songwriting craft have garnered her numerous accolades, including being named the 2022 QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year.