NGARRA-BURRIA

FIRST PEOPLES COMPOSERS

Ngarra-Burria are Dharug words meaning “to hear, to sing”

 

Ngarra-Burria is an artist development program intended to build bridges for First Peoples musicians to step forward, further develop their composing skills, and connect with the art music sector. The program was initiated by Dharug composer Chris Sainsbury, and the words 'art music' here refer to the vast spectrum of contemporary classical/new music, contemporary original jazz and improvisatory practice, experimental practice, including sound art and installation, computer music, and more.

The program provides for its participants:

  • The opportunity to write work/s for recording and performance by Ensemble Offspring, one of Australia's leading new music ensembles, and the Royal Australian Navy Band

  • Periodic face-to-face mentoring sessions with program facilitators

  • Workshops with the performers to develop and refine the compositions

  • ANU School of Music sessions

  • Rehearsals, recording, and performance recitals in Canberra and Sydney

  • A modest honorarium, along with travel costs to attend workshops/recording session

2019 NGARRA-BURRIA PARTICIPANTS

Nardi Simpson

James Henry

Eric Avery

PERFORMANCES

Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers Concert

Join us to hear the work of 2019 Ngarra-Burria composers Eric Avery, James Henry, Nardi Simpson and Program Alumna and Ensemble Offspring’s Inaugural First Nations Composer In Residence Brenda Gifford, performed by the Royal Australian Navy Band.

7-8pm Thursday 5 December 2019

Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre - 700 Harris St, Ultimo Sydney

This event has passe

SUPPORTERS

Ngarra-Burria is delivered by a partnership between Moogahlin Performing Arts, the Australian Music Centre, ANU School of Music, and Ensemble Offspring, with funding support from APRA AMCOS, and in-kind support from EORA College of TAFE, the Royal Australian Navy Band, and ABC Classic.

NGARRA-BURRIA IMPACT

 

PLATFORM PAPER

NGARRA-BURRIA: New music and the search for an Australian Sound

Christopher Sainsbury, composer, academic, activist, and member of the Dharug people, uncovers the powerful bond between heritage and musical expression in the members of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program. Sainsbury calls for a rethinking of the new music sector’s relationship to First Peoples music, based on respect and new collaborations, in which the First Peoples composers can be recognised as creators and performers of a real Australian sound that echoes back to the dawn of history.

 

BRENDA GIFFORD

Ensemble Offspring's Inaugural First Nations Composer in Residence

During NAIDOC week 2019, Ensemble Offspring were proud to announce Ngarra-Burria alumna Brenda Gifford as their inaugural ‘First Nations Composer in Residence’ for 2020.  

This brand new position will involve working with the virtuosic instrumentalists of Ensemble Offspring throughout the year in one-on-one sessions, involvement in local and regional touring programs and workshops on a new commission.