The Wauja Indians from the upper Xingu river, in the Amazon, call “waká” the emissaries who are tasked with going to other villages with the invitation to take part in a ritual. The arrival in the village and the transmission of the invitation are extremely ritualized performance. Wakana is inspired by this practice and contains musical materials from the Wauja culture.
Wakana is a double concert for cello and double bass. Composed in 2024.
Commissioned by Duo Contracello.
Wakana was premiered by the Duo Contracello and the Orquestra de Cordas – Ensemble XXI during the Festival de Música da Madeira, Portugal, in 15th March 2024.
Watch the premiere: