Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: Marlene Cummins  
© Jamie James

The 2022 Ngarra-Burria First People's Composers concert was held at ABC studios in Sydney on the 22nd of November, featuring the compositions of the four composers in the latest round of the program: Will Kepa, Mark Munk Ross, Aunty Marlene Cummins and Aaron Wyatt.

The first pieces performed were written by Will Kepa, a Torres Strait Island composer working in Canberra. Will's work Sleepless Dreaming was premiered alongside his piece titled Ailan Opping. Will shared that his work is inspired by his home town and his culture, with the title of Ailan Opping being a homage to Torres Strait Islander style of travel.

Aaron Wyatt, member of Decibel new music ensemble, was unable to attend in person but his works title Cirrus and Cumulus were both performed. Aaron notes the influences of his environment as inspiration on these pieces.

Aunty Marlene Cummins is a well-known blues performer and musician, working in the music industry for decades but only just venturing into art music and musical notation. Aunty Marlene's works, Starting over and Marloo's Blues were playful and sprinkled with elements of the genre she is most known for.

Last up on the night was Mark Munk Ross, another well known musician from a different genre, exploring the world of art music and where it can take him. Mark is a well known hip-hop writer, performer and producer. Mark's compositions, titled Streets of Sydney and Loss and Lost were both musical reflections on the composer's life journey.

All works were performed by Ngarra-Burria program partners, Ensemble Offspring. Ngarra-Burria are Dharug words meaning to hear, to sing, and this program intends to build bridges for First Peoples' musicians to step forward, further develop their composing skills, and connect with the art music sector. Read more about the program.