The Gathering, 2025
17 December, 2025
This is a condensed article. To read the full article, please visit AMC Resonate Magazine:
Ensemble Offspring was privileged to be invited to present two concerts and a panel as part of ANU's The Gathering from Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 November in Canberra at The Street Theatre. This was a gathering of First Nations peoples and their allies, from Australia and the Pacific, with a focus on First Nations music and art-making, using an inclusive model whereby many of the attendees presented talks, sat on panels or performed. Thanks to Dr Christopher Sainsbury and Will Kepa for being the masterminds behind this fabulous and important weekend of culture, music and knowledge sharing – we are all the richer for experiencing it!
On Friday we were welcomed by what felt like a big extended family of First Nations musicians and composers. It was such a warm and generous vibe - so many hugs and hello's shared in that moment, the yarns, catch-ups and important conversations ensued over the coming days, and what an inspirational time it was for all of us.
Partway through our first concert, I hosted a panel featuring six deadly musicians, several of whom were part of the 2025 Ngarra-Burria cohort, others of whom were new friends to myself and Ensemble Offspring. They were Bunna Lawrie (Mirning Senior Elder and Whale Songman of the Yinyila Nation), our current First Nations Composer in Residence Mark Munk Ross (Jardwadjali/Wotjobulak), Shauntee Abdul Rahmen (Wiradjuri), Nicole Smede (Warrimay & Birrbay), Troy Russell (Biripai & Gamilaroi) and Davin Ojala (Anaiwan)
Saturday night saw the final concert, where Ensemble Offspring performed highlights from the last nine years of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers, with a cameo from Opeloge and colleagues midway through. We took the opportunity to announce the fact that Ensemble Offspring will be stepping down as Ensemble in Residence for Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers in 2026 after 10 years of deep-seated commitment, investment, championing, relationship building and cultural immersion. The time is indeed ripe to officially pass on the baton and let the next generation take the program to its next stage - whatever that may be. It goes without saying that Ensemble Offspring will continue to champion First Nations voices with new projects and the continuation of our First Nations Composer in Residence position - all I can say for now is, watch this space!
Written by Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director and percussionist).
The Gathering photos by Stephen Wilson Barker
