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
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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.
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
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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!”
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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.”
Alumni & Works
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First Nations Composer in Residence
James Henry – Dreamscapes (2024)
soprano, flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone
I. Big Swell
II. Hydrofoil
III. While I’m SleepingNgarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers
Gary Watling – Lotte (2024)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloAdam Manning – Canvas (2024)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloAdam Manning – Music for Clapsticks and Vibraphone (2024)
clapsticks, vibraphoneGabriel Fromyhr – Interwoven Worlds (2024)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloNicole 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 CrowNgarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers
Mark Ross – Loss and Lost (2022)
clarinet, percussion, pianoWill Kepa – Sleepless Dreaming (2022)
bass clarinet, vibraphone, pianoAaron 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, 2022Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers
Mark Ross – Streets of Sydney (2021)
clarinet/bass clarinet, vibraphone, violin, double bass
Buy scoreMarlene Cummins – Starting Over (2021)
jazz ensembleAaron 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 scoreNgarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers
James Henry – Zoom Meeting (2020)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreJames Henry – The Rains (2020)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreEric Avery – Gliding (2020)
flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreMarlene Cummins and Kevin Hunt – Past, present, so what (now)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloWill Kepa – Ailan Opping (2020)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreNardi Simpson – Blaktopia (2020)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloNardi Simpson – Burruguu (Time of Creation) (2020)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy score2020 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 scoreNardi Simpson – Wilga’s Last Dance (2019)
SATB saxophone quartet
Buy scoreEric Avery – Saxophone Quartet
(2019)
SATB saxophone quartetBrenda Gifford – Home (2019)
SATB saxophone quartet -
Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers
Rhyan Clapham – Talk To Me, I’m Listening (2018)
soprano, bass clarinet, violin, piano
Buy scoreTroy Russell – New Home/Hymn (2018)
flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreBrenda Gifford – Miriwa (Sky) (2018)
voice, clarinet, violin, piano
Buy scoreTim Gray – Lupe vs Demons (2018)
soprano, bass clarinet, violin pianoElizabeth Sheppard – Warangka Makialo (Song of the Builders) (2018)
soprano, flute, clarinet, piano, celloElizabeth Sheppard – Kaya Mary (The Blue Pool) (2018)
soprano, alto, flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello -
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. Gambambarawaraga2017 AMPlify: Indigenous Composers Initiative
Brenda Gifford – Bardju (Footprints) (2017)
alto flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreBrenda Gifford – Gambambara (Spring) (2017)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreTroy Russell – River Life (2017)
flute, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreTroy Russell – Nucoorilma (The Apple Tree) (2017)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy scoreElizabeth Sheppard – Kooranginy (2017)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, celloTim Gray – Lupe Suite (2017)
flute, clarinet, percussion, cello
Buy scoreRhyan Clapham – Pitara Yaan Muruwariki (2017)
flute, clarinet, vibraphone, cello
Buy score
Learn More
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Purchase Ngarra-Burria Gurung, Educational Resource Kit for primary school educators
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![Ngarra-Burria composers and mentors]()
Explore Ngarra-Burria works on the Australian Music Centre
