Runa Cara Album Launch

Runa Cara celebrate the release of their debut album with a special album launch performance at The Living Room Theatre on March 7th.

Runa Cara is the partnership between Irish-Australian percussionist and indie-folk singer-songwriter Bonnie Stewart (aka Bonniesongs) and Danish-Australian contemporary cellist and nyckelharpist Freya Schack-Arnott. Drawing from their culturally diverse roots and a rich mix of classical, folk, and improvised musical practices, the duo creates imaginative Irish and Scandinavian folk songs interwoven with experimental soundscapes and original compositions.

Since forming in 2021, Runa Cara has performed at Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room, Sydney Festival, and Seymour Centre, and were featured on ABC’s The Music Show. Featuring the traditional Swedish instrument, the nyckelharpa, Runa Cara transport listeners on a journey between old and new — from the intimate tones of a Danish lullaby to the toe-tapping spoons of an Irish reel. Singing in Irish, Swedish, Danish, and Icelandic, their music is both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary.

Join Runa Cara for an intimate evening celebrating the release of their debut album on Bent A Shape.

Runa Cara will be joined by support sets by Ben Ward and Grace Barr (joined by Yolanda Frost)

Ben is a musician working mainly on the lands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal whose practice has recently focussed on altered tunings, texture and improvisation. Recent appearances include SIMA @ Vanguard with Matthias and Freya Schack-Arnott; performing Brenda Gifford's Walimbaya @ Canberra International Music Festival; and New Mountain with visual artists Peachy and Mosig. 

Grace Barr is a clawhammer banjo player & songwriter originally from Northwest UK. Her music blends influences from DIY punk, Appalachian old-time, jazz and dance music crafting songs that explore her travels, loves and friendships. Grace has performed with The Ocelots (IRE) Betty Grumble (AUS) and Holy Locust (USA)