Christopher Sainsbury – The Conversation

Nardi Simpson plays the square piano, similar to one that arrived on the First Fleet. Jamie Kidston

January 22, 2021

Four Indigenous composers and a piano from colonial times — making passionate, layered, honest music together

Christopher Sainsbury, Australian National University and Scott Davie, Australian National University

Four Indigenous composers were asked to create works for a square piano from a painful period in our nation’s history. They did so in creative, honest and powerful ways.

Composer William Barton in 2013. Indigenous composers have long been working in the field, but the contribution of Indigenous music and culture to Australian composition deserves greater recognition. David Crosling/AAP

April 30, 2019

It’s time to properly acknowledge ‑ and celebrate ‑ Indigenous composers

Christopher Sainsbury, Australian National University

Australian composers have long referenced Indigenous music and culture in their works. A new platform paper suggests a more collaborative way forward.

Contact Christopher for