Ensemble Offspring has long and consistently done the heavy lifting for the Australian art music scene. With 12 world premieres and programs that quietly favours female and gender-diverse composers, its 2024 season still sees it unrivalled by any other organisation country-wide.

Ensemble Offspring, L-R: Jason Noble, Benjamin Kopp, Véronique Serret, Blair Harris, Claire Edwardes and Lamorna Nightingale. Photo supplied

EO has also announced that next year will be the final year of its Noisy Women Commission, with Paris-based Australian composer Kirsten Milenko its final recipient. While wrapping up after eight-year run, EO’s commitment to equity in music does not wane; the ensemble has pledged that at least 50 percent of its future commissions will be awarded to female composers.

In 2024, James Henry will continue as First Nation Composer in Residence for his second year. Saxophonist Alice Morgan has been selected as the 2024 Hatched Associate Artist.

EO’s season opens on 23 March at ACO’s Walsh Bay home with Psychedelic Frenzy and its first world premiere of the...