We’re very excited to announce our first ever Hatched Academy Ambassador – revered Australian composer, Brett Dean. Brett’s music is championed by many of the leading conductors and orchestras worldwide, including Sir Simon Rattle, Vladimir Jurowski, Simone Young, Daniel Harding and Marin Alsop. Much of his work draws from literary, political, environmental or visual stimuli, including a number of compositions and operas inspired by the artwork of his wife Heather Betts.

Brett writes:

“For the past 10 years, Hatched Academy has fostered distinctive compositional and performative voices. The alumni are a who’s who list of successful young Australian artists, many of whom have already made a name for themselves on the international scene. Navigating your way as a young composer or performer specialising in contemporary music is not easy.  Ensemble Offspring’s Hatched Academy program, with its hands on, focused approach, plays a central role in creating a formidable Australian new music scene. I am delighted to join Ensemble Offspring both as a mentor and Hatched Academy Ambassador from 2022 onwards.”

Established in 2014 to support exceptional young Australian performers and composers, Ensemble Offspring’s Hatched Academy program (featuring a Composer Intensive, Associate Artist position and Mentorship Program) is now one of the most valued development opportunities for exceptional young musicians in Australia.

Brett has been a long-term supporter of Ensemble Offspring and our Hatched program, and is one of five international composers mentoring as part of our 2022 Composer Intensive. We are honoured to have our support of emerging artists through Hatched Academy endorsed by one of Australia’s leading composers, and we look forward to working with Brett into the future to ensure the next generation of innovative Australian musicians are fostered into our arts leaders and creative voices of the future.