From Rehearsal Rooms to Festival Stages: An Unexpected Start to 2025

What I thought would be a quiet start to 2025 after completing my Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Performance turned into a whirlwind of touring, collaboration, and unforgettable moments. Instead of easing into the year, I found myself swept down the east coast of Australia and across the Tasman to New Plymouth, Aotearoa (New Zealand), touring with the legendary Melbourne art-rock band Not Drowning, Waving and George Telek, as well as on a separate tour with the incredible Charles Maimarosia.

It was a deep and moving immersion into Melanesian music, singing in Kuanua language with George and in the Are’Are’ language with Charles.
With Not Drowning, Waving, I performed at Sydney Festival in the stunning City Recital Hall, marking the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Tabaran. The audience was electric, warm, and clearly thrilled to hear these songs again. After a week of intense rehearsals at Bakehouse Studios in Melbourne, it was such a joy to play the cello parts that my dear mum had written all those years ago.

Just a month later, we were boarding a plane to Aotearoa for WOMAD NZ. Only a year ago, I was volunteering at WOMADelaide in 40-degree heat, directing people to toilets and water stations and now, I was on the main stage performing to thousands!
I had the chance to meet the incredible Ana Carla Maza, and connect with artists from all over the world, as well as try some fabulous food and dance the nights away. 

One of the most meaningful moments for me was spending time with George Telek — we sat down together to write out and record lyrics for two of his songs, which I now hope to arrange for children’s choirs. It’s a small step toward sharing his beautiful Tolai music and Papua New Guinean culture with new audiences.