It is 23 years since a youthful William Barton, a Kalkadoon man from Mount Isa, made his first appearance playing didgeridoo with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra . Now, having just turned 40, Barton is recognised not only as a virtuoso but as one of the great players of his instrument, having performed all over the world.  Barton’s first full-length solo orchestral work has been commissioned for its premiere performance with the QSO, so he has come full-circle with his home orchestra. Written in part to celebrate his homecoming to both Queensland and the QSO, it is also a deeply personal and spiritual work that takes him back to Country, reconnects with his land, and pays homage and respect to his Kalkadunga language.

William Barton, Benjamin Northey and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Photograph © Peter Wallis

Playing a total of three didgeridoos of different sizes and timbres, Apii Thatini Mu Murtu (To sing and carry a coolamon on country together) began in epic orchestral style, bold and brassy with sweeping strings and strident brass. Into this melange of powerful orchestral music, that had all the resemblance of a film score,...