Griffyn Ensemble’s program Songs from a Stolen Senate presents works by seven of Australia’s most prolific First Nations creators composed in collaboration with the ensemble. The program explores Australian identity, with new works that redefine words that were spoken by the governments of our country. Each piece is introduced through film by the artist, then performed by the Griffyn Ensemble.
Songs from a Stolen Senate brings together some of Australia’s leading First Nation creators, with The Griffyn Ensemble to challenge how Australian identity has been forged since European settlement. This landmark collaboration weaves together their unique individual reflections of our political landscape through music they have written for the acclaimed Griffyn Ensemble, many reworking words that were spoken in our parliament. From Stolen Generations to climate politics, Songs from a Stolen Senate offers different perspectives of our national past and the Australian parliament.
Experience music, film and stories by unique First Australians from a diversity of genre and backgrounds, including Aranda country music icon Warren Williams; inspirational Noongar singer-songwriter Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse; Norah Bagiri from Műa Island in the Torres Strait; Ngunnawal custodian Richie Allan; Larrakia hip-hop artist Jimblah; Christopher Sainsbury from the Dharug Nation; and Yuin composer Brenda Gifford.
This landmark collaboration weaves together their unique individual reflections of our political landscape through music they have written for the acclaimed Griffyn Ensemble. From stolen generations to climate politics, Songs from a Stolen Senate offers different perspectives of our national past and the Australian parliament.
Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse Wanjoo
Warren Williams Untitled
Norah Bagiri and The Griffyn Ensemble The View From The Shore
Richie Allan and The Griffyn Ensemble Untitled
Brenda Gifford Breath
Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse What Are We To Do
Jimblah Not In My Name
Chris Sainsbury Red Kangaroo Standing