To Listen To Sing (Newcastle) Presented by EO

To Listen To Sing showcases composers from the Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program. Ngarra-Burria has built bridges for Indigenous musicians to step sideways into instrumental chamber composition over the past 9 years, completely changing the Australian landscape of art music composers and importantly giving a new voice to First Nations composers. 

Guided by Artistic Director Dharug composer, Dr Christopher Sainsbury, Ensemble Offspring and guest mentors, the program has supported a cohort of composers to develop and premiere new chamber works over the past 9 years.

In Newcatsle, To Listen To Sing features local hero Adam Manning (Awabakal/Worimi) on stage in a musical Acknowledgement of Country and on clapsticks. This 1 hour project shines the spotlight on an array of brand new music by brand new voices and is a true celebration of an enmeshing of western art music and the oldest surviving culture on earth.

Other prominent and well known First Nations composers featured are Brenda Gifford (Yuin), Nardi Simpson (Yuwaalaraay), Eric Avery (Ngiyampaa, Yuin, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggir) and James Henry (Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay, Yorta-Yorta and Yuin).  In 2022 Ngarra-Burria received the Classical NEXT Innovation Award and our ABC Classic Album 'To Listen To Sing’ (which will be on sale after the show) was nominated for a Best Classical ARIA Award.

Performers

Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director, percussion)
Lamorna Nightingale (flutes)
Jason Noble (clarinets)
Rowena Macneish (cello)
Adam Manning (clapsticks)