Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Ngarra-Burria are Dharug words meaning to hear, to sing, and this program is intended to build bridges for First Peoples’ musicians to step forward, further develop their composing skills, and connect with the art music sector. Initiated in 2017 by Aboriginal composer Christopher Sainsbury with partners Moogahlin Performing Arts, Australian Music Centre, ANU and Ensemble Offspring, Ngarra-Burria is aimed at supporting and mentoring emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander composers in developing new techniques and skills in instrumental composition and notation, as well as industry knowledge and relationships.

Mentors in 2020 are Christopher Sainsbury, Jessica Wells and Kevin Hunt. The first cohort of composers (2017-2018) were Brenda Gifford, Troy Russell, Elizabeth Sheppard, Tim Gray and Rhyan Clapham and this concert will feature the second cohort of impressive First Nations musical voices from around Australia – from Redfern to Darwin!

PROGRAM

Nardi Simpson - new works
Eric Avery - new works
James Henry - new works
Marlene Cummins - new works
Will Kepa - new works

ENSEMBLE OFFSPRING

Claire Edwardes (percussion)
Jason Noble (clarinet)
Lamorna Nightingale (flute)
Freya Schack-Arnott (cello)

"I hope that you may hear and understand that Aboriginal composers can cut it. The outcomes we hope for are connections and opportunities for our composers - relationships, networks and work. It is time. The non-Aboriginal composer practice of Aboriginal referencing needs a gentle correction. It should still have a place, but based on long term and respectful engagement.” Christopher Sainsbury

** This event is also being live streamed. Live stream tickets available here.

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website

Featured artists

• Performer Ensemble Offspring
• New work by Nardi Simpson
• New work by Eric Avery
• New work by James Henry
• New work by Marlene Cummins
• New work by Will Kepa