Each year during NAIDOC week we at Ensemble Offspring have the privilege of announcing our First Nations Composer in Residence for the coming year. We are so pleased to announce that in 2023 our FNCIR is Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta & Yuin artist James Henry!
James Henry has been in demand as a composer and sound designer writing various blends of traditional Aboriginal and contemporary genres. His diverse skill set has seen him compose for Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choir and musical director for the Dreamtime at the G opening ceremonies, as musical director of ‘Tanderrum’ Melbourne Festival Opening Ceremonies, various theatre and dance productions as well as commissions.
The strength in James’ music comes from his diversity. Being a singer/songwriter as well as a covers performer, James toured around the country performing as a solo artist as well as a featured performer on national and international tours with the Black Arm Band and Buried Country. He also occasionally DJ’s and produces House and Techno music under the alias of Nurra.
This residency offers a flexible mentoring and workshopping environment including one-on-one sessions, involvement in local and regional touring programs and workshops and the premiere of a new Ensemble Offspring commission (valued at $2500).
Having worked together in the 2019 and 2020 Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers cohorts, we can’t wait to continue our relationship with James in 2023.
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