The Gathering

Hosted by the School of Music of the Australian National University in Canberra, this will be an Australian and near-Pacific neighbours First Nations Composers Gathering.

Attendees may include First Nations composers from Australia and the near-Pacific, First Nations performers of classical/new music, classical and new music organizations, academics working in the areas of composition and musicology, heads of conservatoriums and University music departments, festival directors, ensemble directors, conductors and artistic directors, programmers and broadcasters, arts funding agencies, publishers and sponsors.

Purpose: First Nations cultural sharing and enrichment through composed/scored music performances, talks about experiences, making new cultural and industry connections.A diverse range of fine ensembles, choirs and soloists are being gathered.

Inaugural sponsor: the ANU School of Music supported by the ANU Grand Challenge Indigenous Health Making Music fund.

Ensemble Offspring will be the main resident ensemble for The Gathering.

This gathering of First Nations composers builds on existing initiatives at the School of Music including:

• The internationally awarded Ngarra-burria First Peoples Composers Program
• The Grand Challenge Indigenous Health Making Music Program with the Yil Lull Studio as its centrepiece
• The Indigenous Coombs Fellowship currently held by Dr Shellie Morris OAM
• The Space 2 Create songwriters’ program in partnership with the Create Australia
• The Wamburang Women’s Choir at the School of Music’s Community Music Centre
• First Nations staffing at the ANU School of Music