In 2014, the Boîte Millennium Chorus returned to Hamer Hall (the site of the inaugural performance in 1999), with Gurrong – New Treasures in an Old Land. Under the artistic direction of Jane Thompson and James Rigby, the concert featured a choir of almost 400 members whose performance inspired Jane Thompson to say:
‘Taking ordinary singers and expecting them to present extraordinary performances is powerful and moving – and it works. It reflects the Boîte’s enduring philosophy – empowering people to sing is empowering in itself. The act of singing in one voice is transformative.’
In front of a backdrop of projections of the art of Gail Mabo, the guest artists shared stories and songs about this ancient land where the oldest living cultures are found, and about the experience of coming to this land as a migrant. As described in The Boîte Annual Report, audience members heard ‘Archie Roach imploring us not to forget the vulnerable, Freydi Mrocki and Ernie Gruner sharing the stories of their families’ arrival here, stories echoed in Shane Howard’s song about his grandmother’s migration from famine ridden Ireland.’