Here at EO, we are passionate about supporting First Nations musicians who bring immense value to the Australian arts sector and cultural landscape.
To mark NAIDOC week this year, we reflect on our Ngarra-Burria concert last week and Claire, Lamorna and Nardi host a virtual panel discussion which you can re-watch here.
Ngarra-Burria @ 505
Last Wednesday evening, we performed a showcase of works by this year’s Ngarra-Burria program composers: Erica Avery, James Henry, Nardi Simpson, Will Keppa and Marlene Cummins. It was a joy to be playing music to a live audience again, and to be joined by so many friends who are passionate supporters of this program. A few highlights are below.
We were also delighted to see many past Ngarra-Burria participants at the concert. This program forms ongoing working relationships and friendships – we often invite the creatives we meet as part of Ngarra-Burria back as our First Nations Composer in Residence.
The next day we went into the studio to record all 7 Ngarra-Burria 2020 works which will be released and played on ABC Classics Drive program imminently. On Friday we recorded Brenda Gifford’s new commission as part of her 2020 First Nations Composer in Residence with EO as well as Nardi Simpson’s Fresh Start ABC commission entitled ‘Of Stars and Birds’.
Claire, Lamorna and Nardi in Conversation
Claire Edwardes (AD/percussion) and Lamorna Nightingale (flute) joined Nardi Simpson for a virtual panel discussion. It was streamed live, but you can rewatch it here.
Nardi is one of the current Ngarra-Burria cohort, and we recently announced that she is going to be our 2021 First Nations Composer in Residence. Nardi is a multi-talented Yuwaalaraay woman who also recently releced her debut book titled Song of the Crocodile.
EO’s commitment to First Nations Composers
Our track record commissioning, performing and advocating for music by Australian composers includes our First Nations Composer Program. This program has three branches – Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers, First Nations Composer in Residence and several community outreach programs.
Head over to the Development Programs section of our website to explore the resources available and read more about the fantastic musicians we have worked with over the past few years.