Professor Christopher Sainsbury, an accomplished composer, guitarist, and highly experienced music educator at the ANU School of Music, was recently featured on ABC’s Music Class (Saturday 13 July) in a special segment titled Composer Question Time. The episode showcases his deep insights into composition, education, and cultural connection — key strengths of the School and his own practice.

Prof. Sainsbury is known not only for his work in the professional music industry but also for his enduring contribution to community music. For over 35 years, he has remained a committed and prolific figure in Australian music, some early premieres include by:  regional ensembles around Gosford City (his long time home) 1982 - 83, the Manly-Harboard big band at the Manly Jazz Festival 1985, and the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra for the New Music and the Orchestra series at QPAC 1986.

Also featured in the program is James Henry, a former student of Prof. Sainsbury and now a highly sought-after composer and sound designer. Renowned for his unique fusion of traditional Aboriginal and contemporary musical genres, Henry now collaborates with major orchestras across Australia.

Listen to the full program here:
Composer Question Time – ABC Music Class