Ngarra-Burria: The Australian National University

Ngarra-Burria are Dharug words meaning 'to hear, to sing'. Initiated in 2016 by Indigenous composer Christopher Sainsbury, Associate Professor in Composition at the ANU School of Music, the Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program exists to support and mentor emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander composers. The annual program is a platform for First Peoples musicians to develop their compositional skills and connect with the art music sector. It is also a shared learning experience, with Ensemble Offspring gaining a deeper understanding of First Nations peoples and culture.

In conjunction with Moogahlin Performing Arts, Australian Music Centre and ANU, Ensemble Offspring and the Ngarra-Burria program help established First Nations musicians to step sideways into the world of art music, build industry knowledge, nurture artistic relationships, and hone new skills in the composition and notation of instrumental chamber music.

This concert features highlight works produced through the past six years of this important program.

Ensemble Offspring features Jason Noble, clarinet teacher at the ANU School of Music, and will perform works by School of Music alumni Nardi Simpson and Will Kepa, who is also director of the Yil Lull Recording Studio at the School of Music.