Returning for its third year in 2026, Generations & Dynasties will welcome The Donovan Family (29 April) and The Knox Family (13th May) into the intimacy of the Utzon Room to share the storytelling and songs of these two legendary country music bands.
The event will feature conversations and live performances with powerhouse First Nations musicians, presented up close and personal, where audiences hear about culture and community directly from artists.
Themes of resilience, prejudice and self-determination are unpacked as artists share how family bonds span genre and generational divides.
Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House, Michael Hutchings, said the Generations and Dynasties series "highlights the legacy of trailblazing champions of industry who have nurtured emerging talent and platformed important conversations for First Nations community in their work".
"It's a privilege to have the Knox men and the Donovan family gathering together on Tubowgule, lending their voices to the enduring tradition of creativity and storytelling on this land where the Opera House now stands. We are proud to celebrate the inspirational impact these incredibly talented people continue to have for our community, in what will be two very special evenings of sharing and celebration," he said.
On Wednesday, April 29 the event with Emily Nicol (Birri Gubba nation / Ugarem) will spotlight The Donovan Family, Emma Donovan and her uncles Merv, Hilton, Michael, Leon and Ashley.
The beloved Donovan Family Band has deep roots in the Gumbaynggirr Nation, known for their unique brand of country music that has seen them play thousands of shows since their inception in 1984.
Founded by the late Micko and Aileen, the band's musical legacy continues through their sons Merv, Hilton, Michael, Leon and Ashley, and into the next generation with Emma - celebrated for her solo career as a singer-songwriter.
Spanning four generations and now into their fifth decade as a live act, the Donovan family continue to perform at First Nations-focused events.
On Wednesday, May 13, the event with Brad Cooke (Bidjigal) will focus on the The Knox Family, Roger Knox, and his son Buddy, and grandsons Teangi & Googoorewon. Three generations of Gamilaraay men will share the stage, led by the trailblazing Roger Knox - also known by his monikers The Koori King of Country and Black Elvis. At 15, his son Buddy began performing with his father, going on to cement himself as one of the era's most in-demand guitarists and blues artists. Buddy's sons, Teangi and Googoorewon, continue the dynasty in their multi-hyphenate careers, including starring in some of Australia's biggest musicals: Big No Name, No Blankets, Hamilton and RENT.
The Sydney Opera House's First Nations program continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, known to its traditional custodians as Tubowgule, a Gadigal meeting place for tens of thousands of years. The year-round program celebrates the richness of First Nations cultures by presenting works that address contemporary issues, revive forgotten stories and revitalise ancient cultural practice.
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