Avant Gardens A Dusk Chorus (Alexandria)

The Future sings like a dusk chorus. Ensemble Offspring’s next chapter of Songbirds goes intimate as part of Avant Gardens.

Be transported into the Australian bush through the familiar sounds of nature’s own musicians, with a little help from Australia’s leading composers. Performed by Lamorna Nightingale (flutes), Jason Noble (clarinets) and Claire Edwardes (percussion), A Dusk Chorus captures the magical bird calls of the red centre, the liminal soundscape of dusk and dawn, and Indigenous musical perspectives on the beguiling creatures of the sky.

Featuring an all-female line-up of composers, A Dusk Chorus presents brand new works by Alice Chance, Felicity Wilcox, Georgia Scott and Hilary Kleinig - each bringing a unique and singular response to the avian world that surrounds us here in Australia.

From raucous calls and piercing cries to moments of tenderness and quiet wonder, these works transform birdsong into a vivid sonic landscape. This is living Australian music that listens closely to the world around us - intimate, surprising and alive.

Come listen differently. Revel in birdsong, in all its brilliant, wild and tender glory.

“... beautifully intimate house concert… accompanied by friends catching up, and discussions of the delightfully eclectic program.” - ClassikON

“There is no doubt Ensemble Offspring’s audience are now eagerly awaiting the next iteration of Avant Gardens.” - ClassikON

Program

ALICE CHANCE Crimson Rosellas **† (2026)

HOLLIS TAYLOR 6 Miniatures *† (2026)

CAITLIN YEO A Tawny Tale † (2025)

NARDI SIMPSON Of Stars and Birds † (2020)

FELICITY WILCOX Call and (a) Response ** (2022, arr. 2026)

GEORGIA SCOTT Dance of the Storm Sentinel *‡ (2026) 

ALICE HUMPHRIES The Visitor (sorry, I can't stay) † (2022)

HILARY KLEINIG Cockatoos * (2016, arr. 2027)

* World Premiere
** Australian Premiere
† Ensemble Offspring Commission

Concert Duration: 70 minutes followed by complimentary drinks and canapes

Performers

Lamorna Nightingale (flutes)

Jason Noble (clarinets)

Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director, percussion)

Ticket Prices

General Admission $99*

Pensioner $89* (Proof of pension required)

Students $39* (Student ID required)

*Booking fees apply

Tickets include drinks and canapes.

Location: Alexandria, Sydney

Ticket holders will be notified of the exact location one week prior to the event via email and two days prior via SMS. Please provide your correct contact details so that we can deliver this information to you.

Photo: Lamorna Nightingale by Keith Saunders. Artwork by Amanda Edwards.