Aurelio. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

We are here at WOMADelaide Day #3! Aurelio, The Piyut Ensemble, and the Philip Glass Ensemble are some of the acts we are looking forward to seeing! Despite today’s rain and strong winds, we will persevere to get you exclusive photos and the latest updates.

Aurelio

The spitting rain was momentarily forgotten when the man from Honduras entered the main Foundation stage. Aurelio and his delightful band brought some much needed upbeat, summer-y sounds to a crowd clad in parkas and gum boots. Utilised splendidly in every song, the inclusion of the maraca is something every band needs to get behind (#newcowbell).

The Piyut Ensemble. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

The Piyut Ensemble

Comprised of men whose former day jobs include carpenters and hospital clowns, this collective from Israel delivered soulful and traditional melodies. A band with fourteen members, each individual possessed a unique instrument or voice that – when combined – resulted in a sound like no other.

Archie Roach. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Archie Roach

It boggles the mind that this Australian legend was not on the Foundation stage. Nevertheless, the consummate storyteller regaled the crowd with his smooth sounds and impassioned lyrics. Hopefully at his next WOMADelaide appearance, he will be gracing the main stage.

Sudha Ragunathan. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Sudha Ragunathan

One of India’s finest classical musicians, Sudha Ragunathan‘s virtuoso voice was accompanied by the violin and an Indian drum which created a sparse yet complete sound. Understandably a seated occasion, this set was a respite compared to the other, more thunderous sets at WOMADelaide.

D.D Dumbo. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

D.D Dumbo

Attracting a horde of teens at the front of the crowd, the multi-talented Oliver Perry got the crowd dancing with his Triple-J approved hits. Whipping out both the clarinet and the recorder at separate occasions, the man should be commended for bringing back instruments we all stopped playing in Year 8 music class.

Philip Glass Ensemble. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Philip Glass Ensemble

Starting with what sounded like Gregorian chants, this hugely influential composer silenced the crowd with his mellow yet commanding sounds that echoed throughout the park. Images of the Grand Canyon and other vast landscapes were projected onto the screen as he and his ensemble played.

– Rachel Wong and Masya Zabidi