Ensemble Offspring has announced it is stepping down as Ensemble in Residence with Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers. After 10 years in the position, the move allows the new music ensemble to “pass the baton on to the next generation”.

Ensemble Offspring. Photo © Tess Atutahi

“We will continue to champion First Nations voices through a multitude of new projects and our ongoing First Nations Composer in Residence [role],” wrote an EO spokesperson in a statement.

Established in 2016, Ngarra-Burria is an artistic development program for First Nations musicians and composers. The program offers the opportunity to write a work to be performed and recorded alongside mentorship sessions, workshops and an honorarium.

The program was founded by lead mentor and Dharug composer Christopher Sainsbury with Yil Lull First Nations Studio and Moogahlin Performing Arts in collaboration with EO, the Australian Music Centre and ABC Classic.

The program earned the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award in 2022, while EO’s 2023 album To Listen To Sing, which features works by program alumni, was nominated for an ARIA Award.

Past participants include Eric Avery, Marlene Cummins, Fromyhr, Brenda Gifford, James Henry, Nardi Simpson, James Henry and Nicole Smede.

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