Internationally recognised First Nations performer Eric Avery knew from a very young age that music would be his life.
“Dad played the didgeridoo at home and when I was about 10, I learnt to play the piano by ear,” Eric said.
At primary school he started singing and when Eric was 12, he picked up the school’s violin and his pathway to a career on stage was set.
“I started formal lessons on the violin when I was 14 and it took a lot of hard work,” Eric said. “I would practise over and over, sometimes up to six hours a day.”
Eric is now recognised worldwide as a unique talent, renowned for his exquisite voice, violin and dance, and he’ll be bringing his special show to Wollongong on 4 July for NAIDOC Week.
Speaking recently, while researching new material at the Mitchell Library in Sydney, Eric said the Wollongong audience could expect him to “take them to a special place.”
“You can expect atmospherics, ethereal and magic feelings. There will be lots of magic,” Eric said.
Eric’s special ‘magic’ has seen him perform alongside some of the great artists of our time, including Yo-Yo Ma and Tina Arena, who he describes as “really down to earth.”
Other career highlights include performing at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, and with the Black Arm Band, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Darwin Symphony Orchestra and Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens. Notably, he was recognised as a 2020 Myer Creative Fellow, solidifying his role as a cultural ambassador and artistic visionary.
Eric's artistic journey is a heartfelt homage to his ancestral roots from the Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr people of NSW. Guided by his family’s custodial songs, he revives ancient tradition, infusing his performances with the essence of his people.
Eric’s compositions can best be described as spiritual as he sings, predominantly in Ngiyampaa language, while playing violin.
“I find that my music can change my feelings and change the feelings of those around me, and together we go into a magic world,” Eric said.
Despite having played in many of the greatest theatres and concert halls across the world, Eric didn’t hesitate when asked where was the best place he’s ever performed.
“That’s easy, the Four Winds Festival at Bermagui. They have an incredible space there (the Windsong Pavilion) that stretches down to the most beautiful beach.”
Eric said he’s excited to be returning to Wollongong after many years away, especially to join in our city’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“For me, NAIDOC has always been about education, and being with family and friends, and Aboriginal love in all different contexts, and of course with non-Aboriginal people. It’s about all different people coming together.”
Eric will be performing at Music and Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery on Thursday, July 4 from 11am. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. The performance is supported by CultureBank Wollongong.
Bookings via Humanitix
