First Nations Program

Ensemble Offspring’s First Nations Program, now in its 10th year, is underpinned by genuine long term relationships with First Nations collaborators and consultation with community, facilitated by our vast circle of collaborators and led by our First Nations Directors Kaleena Smith and Sonya Holowell. Beginning our journey as Ensemble in Residence for Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers back in 2016, we have been an integral part in the development of the careers of almost twenty of Australia’s most well recognised Indigenous composers. Our First Nations Composers in Residence Program (a two year program culminating in a special project) has included Brenda Gifford (Yuin), Nardi Simpson (Yuwaalaraay), Eric Avery (Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr) and James Henry (Yuwaalaraay) and Mark Munk Ross (Jardwadjali/Wotjobulak). This music has been performed from Helsinki to Berlin and Hastings to Brewarrina. Recent projects in 2025 include Stories of Water and Earth featuring Melanie Munungurr (Yolgnu) and Nardi Simpson (Yuwaalaraay) at the Sydney Opera House and Bila’s Big Dance in collaboration with Tim Gray (Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri) and Orchestra Victoria.

Read our commitment to First Nations artists

First Nations Program Directors

  • Kaleena Smith

    (Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta)
    First Nations Co-Director

  • Sonya Holowell

    (Dharawal)
    First Nations Co-Director

Burranbala

Burranbala (meaning ‘catalyst’ in Yuwaalaraay language) is an exciting new music residency led by Director Nardi Simpson alongside First Nations leaders, which centres Indigenous perspectives and modes of working together. Four invited participants will join with a diverse team of musicians for an experience of sharing and experimentation at Bundanon, on, and with, beautiful Dharawal/Dhurga country.

Burranbala invites all present into a period of co-learning/leading, celebrating the unique knowledge’s and practice’s we each carry. Through yarns and guided activities we will try new things, learn from each other, and expand concepts of being a musician.

We ask - what can ‘art music’ mean, when Indigenous ways of knowing and making are leading the way? Rather than a distinct-sounding ‘genre’, could it instead be a site for reclamation, resistance, and resurgence; a home for our stories, told in our ways?


EOI’s open on Monday 4 May, 2026.

If you have any questions about applying, please contact Claire Edwardes.

LEARN MORE

Ensemble Offspring’s biennial First Nations Composer in Residence program, launched in 2020 with Yuin composer Brenda Gifford as the inaugural recipient, provides a flexible and supportive environment for artistic development. The residency enables the selected composer to work closely with Ensemble Offspring in the creation and premiere of a new work or passion project of their artistic choice.

The Composer in Residence is encouraged to draw on the ensemble’s expertise and resources to advance their artistic practice in ways that best support their individual career trajectory. Across the residency, participants are supported not only in creative developments and workshops but also in building sustainable professional pathways and new industry connections.

The program offers:

  • Mentoring, notation support and industry connections

  • $5,000 commission fee, with travel costs covered for interstate participant

  • In the first year a smaller chamber work will be created with the ensemble as way of continuing developing writing for our instruments and in the second year the ‘passion project’ will be realised with a public outcome.

  • Documentation and profile development

The First Nations Composer in Residence is selected by invitation, typically (though not exclusively) from alumni of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers.

First Nations Composer in Residence

CONTACT

Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

First Peoples Composers has built bridges for Indigenous musicians to further develop their compositional skills and connect with the art music sector for 10 years. Guided by lead mentor Dr Christopher Sainsbury and guest mentors, the program has supported a cohort of composers to develop and premiere new chamber works for resident group Ensemble Offspring over two years.

In 2022, the program received the Classical:Next Innovation Award and in 2023 our ABC Classic album 'To Listen To Sing' featuring alumni from the program, was nominated for a Best Classical ARIA Award. Ngarra-Burria was founded in 2017 by Dharug composer Dr Christopher Sainsbury, Yil Lull First Nations Studio at the Australian National University and Moogahlin Performing Arts, in collaboration with partners Ensemble Offspring, Australian Music Centre and ABC Classic. Wholly committed to the future of First Nations music making and seeking new avenues as well as opening up new opportunities for other organisations to take part, as of 2026 Ensemble Offspring steps down as Ngarra-Burria ensemble in residence. Read more on the AMC website

2026 is Ensemble Offspring 10th and final year as Ensemble in Residence in Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers. We invite you to a fitting celebration on Wednesday, October 28 at Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Centre for the final showcase: Ngarra-Burria Gala.

CONTACT

Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers Showreel

Get a feel for this internationally recognised cultural program which has supported the careers of so many First Nations composers and watch the showreel.

Testimonials

  • Christopher Sainsbury

    Founder and Artistic Director, Ngarra-Burria

    “To date, Ensemble Offspring are still the lead ensemble in the career development of First Nations composers and the profiling of First Nations composers’ music. Their approach stems from relationships that they develop with the composers. It’s two-way, long-term, and it’s real!”

  • Nardi Simpson

    Composer in Residence 2021
    Ngarra-Burria 2019-2020

    “Being Ensemble Offspring’s First Nations Composer in Residence gave me the opportunity to explore and express my cultural obligations and connections to country and community. I have relationships and knowledge that will sustain me the rest of my making life.”

  • Aaron Wyatt

    Ngarra-Burria 2021-2022

    “Beyond providing me with an invaluable opportunity to develop my own compositional style, the Ngarra-Burria program has rightfully established itself as a leading platform for Indigenous musicians to launch themselves into the art music world. It contributes so much to our shared cultural heritage.”

  • James Henry

    Composer in Residence 2023-2024
    Ngarra-Burria 2019-2020

    “My collaboration with Ensemble Offspring has illuminated the possibilities of writing for a quality ensemble. They've not only optimized my compositions but also fostered my growth as a composer, creating a transformative journey together.”

  • Brenda Gifford

    Composer in Residence 2020
    Ngarra-Burria 2017-2018

    “My time as Ensemble Offspring’s First Nations Composer in Residence was invaluable. It gave me an opportunity to pick the brains of killer musicians and learn about writing for a chamber ensemble. They were supportive of my process, and their ongoing support for First Nations composers has been great.”

  • Rhyan Clapham

    Ngarra-Burria 2018

    “What I love about Ngarra-Burria and Ensemble Offspring’s contribution and participation in this initiative is that we’re meeting together. It’s not redoing history but it’s re-understanding history, and we’re doing that through music.”

Alumni & Works

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    Mark ‘Munk’ Ross – The Generations (2025)
    bass clarinet, vibraphone

    Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    Nicole Smede – Garan (Wings of Birds) (2025)
    clarinet, percussion, piano

    Brenda Gifford – Saltwater (2025)
    clarinet, marimba, piano

    Troy Russell – Motorways (2025)
    bass clarinet, marimba, piano

    Mark ‘Munk’ Ross – Colonisation of the Ibis (2025)
    bass clarinet, marimba, piano

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    James Henry – Dreamscapes (2024)
    soprano, flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone
    I. Big Swell
    II. Hydrofoil
    III. While I’m Sleeping

    Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    Gary Watling – Lotte (2024)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Adam Manning – Canvas (2024)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Adam Manning – Music for Clapsticks and Vibraphone (2024)
    clapsticks, vibraphone

    Gabriel Fromyhr – Interwoven Worlds (2024)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Nicole Smede – Djeera Gadhu (Ocean Stories) (2024)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    James Henry – Big Swell (2023) from Dreamscapes
    soprano, flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone
    Premiered at The Church, Sydney on 29 May 2023

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    Eric Avery – Biamanga Juxtaposed (2023)
    2 violins, marimba, cello
    I. Wind (Of Ancestors)
    II. Ancient Improv
    III. Eagle and Crow

    Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    Mark Ross – Loss and Lost (2022)
    clarinet, percussion, piano

    Will Kepa – Sleepless Dreaming (2022)
    bass clarinet, vibraphone, piano

    Aaron Wyatt – Cumulus (2022)
    bass clarinet, vibraphone, piano

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    Nardi Simpson – -barra (2021)
    solo voice, choir, mixed ensemble
    Premiered at Sydney Festival, City Recital Hall, 2022

    Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    Mark Ross – Streets of Sydney (2021)
    clarinet/bass clarinet, vibraphone, violin, double bass
    Buy score

    Marlene Cummins – Starting Over (2021)
    jazz ensemble

    Aaron Wyatt – Cirrus (2021)
    bass clarinet, vibraphone, violin, double bass
    Buy score

  • First Nations Composer in Residence

    Brenda Gifford – Djana (Talk) (2020)
    alto flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone/clapsticks
    Premiered at Ngarra-Burria, Old 505 Theatre, 2020
    Buy score

    Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    James Henry – Zoom Meeting (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    James Henry – The Rains (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Eric Avery – Gliding (2020)
    flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Marlene Cummins and Kevin Hunt – Past, present, so what (now)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Will Kepa – Ailan Opping (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Nardi Simpson – Blaktopia (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Nardi Simpson – Burruguu (Time of Creation) (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    2020 ABC Fresh Start Commission

    Nardi Simpson – Of Stars and Birds (2020)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone
    Buy score | Education kit

  • Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    James Henry – Today’s the Day (2019)
    SATB saxophone quartet
    Buy score

    Nardi Simpson – Wilga’s Last Dance (2019)
    SATB saxophone quartet
    Buy score

    Eric Avery – Saxophone Quartet
    (2019)
    SATB saxophone quartet

    Brenda Gifford – Home (2019)
    SATB saxophone quartet

    Listen on ABC Classic
    Australian Music Centre article

  • Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

    Rhyan Clapham – Talk To Me, I’m Listening (2018)
    soprano, bass clarinet, violin, piano
    Buy score

    Troy Russell – New Home/Hymn (2018)
    flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Brenda Gifford – Miriwa (Sky) (2018)
    voice, clarinet, violin, piano
    Buy score

    Tim Gray – Lupe vs Demons (2018)
    soprano, bass clarinet, violin piano

    Elizabeth Sheppard – Warangka Makialo (Song of the Builders) (2018)
    soprano, flute, clarinet, piano, cello

    Elizabeth Sheppard – Kaya Mary (The Blue Pool) (2018)
    soprano, alto, flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Listen on ABC Classic

  • Music For The Dreaming (ABC Classic Kids)

    All works by Brenda Gifford (arr. Jessica Wells)

    I. Galaa
    II. Rompy Stompy Crab
    III. Dhugawara
    IV. Plover Bird | Buy score
    V. Gambambara (Seasons) | Buy score
    VI. Ghadu
    VII. Bardju (Footprints) | Buy score
    VIII. Gambambarawaraga

    Listen on Spotify

    2017 AMPlify: Indigenous Composers Initiative

    Brenda Gifford – Bardju (Footprints) (2017)
    alto flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Brenda Gifford – Gambambara (Spring) (2017)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Troy Russell – River Life (2017)
    flute, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Troy Russell – Nucoorilma (The Apple Tree) (2017)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Elizabeth Sheppard – Kooranginy (2017)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello

    Tim Gray – Lupe Suite (2017)
    flute, clarinet, percussion, cello
    Buy score

    Rhyan Clapham – Pitara Yaan Muruwariki (2017)
    flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
    Buy score

    Listen

Learn More

  • After 10 years ,Ensemble Offspring steps down as Ensemble in Residence for Ngarra-Burria: First People’s Composers

    Learn more

  • Read about The Gathering, 2025

    LEARN MORE

  • Watch our performance of To Listen, To Sing in Newcastle

    WATCH NOW

  • Purchase Ngarra-Burria Gurung, Educational Resource Kit for primary school educators

    Learn More
  • Ngarra-Burria composers and mentors

    Explore Ngarra-Burria works on the Australian Music Centre

    View
  • Rhyan Clapham, Aaron Wyatt and Christopher Sainsbury

    Ngarra-Burria wins Classical:Next Innovation Award

    Learn More

  • Our Ngarra-Burria Album "To Listen, To Sing"

    Learn More