First Nations Program

Ensemble Offspring’s First Nations Program 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 Director Kaleena Smith. 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 more than fifteen of Australia’s most well recognised Indigenous composers. Our First Nations Composers in Residence Program has featured Brenda Gifford (Yuin), Nardi Simpson (Yuwaalaraay), Eric Avery (Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr) and James Henry (Yuwaalaraay) and Mark 'Munk’ Ross (Jardwadjali/Wotjobulak). The music has been performed from Helsinki to Berlin and Hastings to Brewarrina. Upcoming projects include Bila’s Big Dance with Tim Gray and Orchestra Victoria and Stories of Water and Earth at the Sydney Opera House.

Kaleena Smith
(Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta)
First Nations Director

Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers

Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers builds bridges for Indigenous musicians to further develop their compositional skills and connect with the art music sector. Guided by lead mentor Dr Christopher Sainsbury and guest mentors, the program supports a cohort of composers to develop and premiere new chamber works for 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 2016 by Dharug composer Dr Christopher Sainsbury and Moogahlin Performing Arts, and is currently a partnership between Ensemble Offspring, Australian Music Centre and Yil Lull First Nations Studio at the Australian National University.
EOI’s are currently closed and will open for 2026 soon. Feel free to contact Dr Christopher Sainsbury to register your interest in participating in 2026.

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First Nations Composer in Residence

Ensemble Offspring’s biennial First Nations Composer in Residence is a position which launched in 2020 with Yuin composer Brenda Gifford as the first recipient. The residency offers a flexible mentoring environment for the chosen composer working closely with Ensemble Offspring to develop and premiere a new commission or large scale project valued at $4,000 with travel costs covered for interstate participants.
The Composer in Residence is encouraged to use the ensemble’s expertise and resources to further their artistic career however they see fit.
The First Nations Composer in Residence is selected by invitation, usually but not necessarily from the cohort of First Nations artists who have graduated from Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers.

EOI’s for 2027-208 will open in March 2026.

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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
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

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

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Read Ensemble Offspring's Commitment to First Nations Artists

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Explore Ngarra-Burria works on the Australian Music Centre

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Ngarra-Burria wins Classical:Next Innovation Award

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

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