NGARRA-BURRIA GALA
Our Ngarra-Burria Gala celebrates 10 years of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers with a ‘best of’ showcase of instrumental chamber music, warmly inviting listeners to experience stories reflecting culture, country and connection.
DETAILS
WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 6:30PM EUGENE GOOSSENS HALL, ABC ULTIMO CENTRE
PROGRAM
BRENDA GIFFORD Bardju (Footprints) (2017)
ERIC ACVERY Gliding (2020)
JAMES HENRY Zoom Meeting (2020)
MARK MUNK ROSS Colonisation of the Ibis (2025)
WILL KEPA Sleepless Dreaming (2022)
AARON WYATTCumulus (2022)
TROY RUSSELL Nucoorilma (Apple Tree) (2017)
NARDI SIMPSON Of Stars and Birds (2020)
BRENDA GIFFORD Saltwater (2025)
ELIZABETH SHEPPARD Walken Rainbow from Kooranginy (2017)
TIM GRAY Lupe! (A Serial Killer’s Mind Part 1 & Part 2) (2017)
GARY WATLING Lotte (2024)
RHYAN CLAPHAM I Think I Can Float (2025, arr. 2026)
MARLENE CUMMINS Starting Over (2021)
Concert Duration: 90 minutes
WATCH
PERFORMERS
Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director, percussion)
Jason Noble (clarinets)
Lamorna Nightingale (flutes)
Ronan Apcar (piano)
Rowena Macneish (cello)
Kaleena Smith (Host, First Nations Co-Director)
Sonya Holowell (Host, First Nations Co-Director)
Tim Gray (Host)
DESCRIPTION
Since 2017, Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers has embodied deep listening and a bright future for Australian art music, nurturing a growing community of First Nations composers. In 2026, we celebrate ten years of cultural continuity, collaboration and creativity through Ngarra-Burria with a deadly Gala Concert at Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo. Experience the bridges Ngarra-Burria has built over the past 10 years, between forms, genres, stories and generations, with a “best of” collection of First Nations chamber works written especially for and with Ensemble Offspring. Performed with clarity, flair and heart, this music speaks to Country, connection and the evolving future of an Australian sound.
“Ensemble Offspring’s program showcased not only the unique styles and arrangements of the compositions, but also gave a sense of the importance of storytelling for First Nations people.”
“A team of incredible composers, mentors, and Ensemble Offspring’s musical interpreters, coming together to empower First Nations Voices”
“Too Deadly”
“The sheer diversity of styles, some incorporating jazz, percussion, repetitive and vocal elements, ensures variety and attraction.”
“...when First Nations artists are given space to lead, what emerges is a true reflection of the land.”
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM
Accessibility Information
The Eugene Goossens Hall is fully wheelchair accessible via a ramp on the left side of the entrance stairs. If you have accessibility requirements, please reach out to the friendly Ensemble Offspring team by emailing admin@ensembleoffspring.com.
SUPPORTED BY
Ensemble Offspring is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Photo: Nicole Smede by Keith Saunders
