Celebrating the unique music which has been created by First Nations Australian composers in the past 5 years as part of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program, this special concert featuring the compact chamber force of Ensemble Offspring places these ancient musical voices reflecting land, nature, history and deep culture at the forefront of living art music in Australia.

Curated and performed by Ensemble Offspring, Composing Songlines features chamber music works by celebrated First Nations composers including Rhyan Clapham (aka DOBBY – Murrawarri), Troy Russell (Biripai/Gamillaroi), Nardi Simpson (from the Stiff Gins) (Yuwaalaraay), Brenda Gifford (Yuin) and Eric Avery (Ngiyampaa, Yuin, Bandjalang and Gumbangirr).

We recognise all the significant partners in the creation of Ngarra-Burria including Moogahlin Performing Arts, Australian Music Centre, Eora College and Australian National University and we pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which the Sydney Opera House sits, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

4 stars ★★★★ “A sense of spirit from the Dreaming washed over my senses as the music carried me away.” – Timothy Gray, Limelight

“Composing Songlines was a team effort of dedication, skill and vision. A team of incredible composers, mentors, and Ensemble Offspring’s musical interpreters, coming together to empower First Nations Voices. It was an honour and a privilege to hear them speak.” – Timothy Gray, Limelight