Image: The Gathering. Photp by Murrawarri/Ngiyambaa/Wiradjuri Photographer Stephen Wilson Barker
In a first ever event of its kind, the Australian National University School of Music successfully concluded the inaugural Australasian First Nations Composers Gathering and Conference over the final weekend of November 2025, bringing together more than 40 First Nations performers and speakers.
The three-day gathering featured First Nations composed pieces performed by Australia’s leading new music group Ensemble Offspring, as well as Ensemble Three, and Lyrebird Brass. There were also popular performances by Yuwaalaraay star Nardi Simpson of Stiff Gins; Mirning man and Australian music luminary Bunna Lawrie of Coloured Stone alongside his son Jason Lee Scott; Victorian Opera favourite Wiradjuri woman Shauntai Abdul-Rahman; and internationally acclaimed Samoan composer Dr Opeloge Ah Sam.
The event showcased the diversity of First Nations composition across the region, with presentations ranging from gumleaf band history by musicologist Dr Robin Ryan-Cruse and Yuin Elder Uncle "Ossie" Cruse, to Tongan nose flute performances by Dr Adriana Māhanga Lear, and Torres Strait composition history by Will Kepa.
"This Gathering exceeded our hopes, with a great turnout by our composers of scored music, and also our performers such as Shauntai Abdul-Rahman, Opeloge Ah Sam, Adriana Lear, Nardi Simpson, Davin Ojala and more. There were some fantastic talks by Brenda Gifford, Uncle Ozzie Cruse and Robin Ryan, and Dylan Crismani. We welcomed a broad spectrum of First Nations talent, new peers, new friends and in the words of Marcus Corowa “it was beautiful”. I’ve never heard a conference called that! I’m sure it will resonate for a long time to come."
- Professor Dr Christopher Sainsbury
The Gathering builds on the School of Music's commitment to First Nations music, which includes the Yil Lull First Nations Recording Studio and the Space to Create Program, the Ngurra Burria First People's composer program, and the Indigenous H.C. Coombs Creative Arts Fellowship.
More on the School of Music’s commitment to First Nations composers can be found here.
About ANU School of Music
The Australian National University School of Music is one of Australia's leading institutions for music education, research, and performance. Located in Canberra, the School offers undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines across performance, composition, musicology, and music technology. The School is committed to strengthening First Nations music through a range of programs (listed above) and also via community initiatives such as the Wamburang Women's Choir.