Award-winning and prolific contemporary classical composer Brenda Gifford creates music for ensembles, orchestras, choirs, dance, theatre and festivals. At the 2022 Festival Gifford will premiere a new work as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Australian Art Orchestra’s First Nations Artist Residency Program.

A proud Yuin woman, Brenda is a classically trained pianist and saxophonist whose arts practice is informed by her Country, community and culture. Performing on saxophone alongside her nephew Joe Brown McLeod (didjeridoo and clapsticks) and members of the Australian Art Orchestra, Brenda will present a new composition with Dhurga language about whales (Moriyawa) and creation stories from her Country.

In partnership between the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the Australian Art Orchestra, the First Nations Artist Residency Program is an artistic and professional development initiative that supports the career development of a First Nations musician with a practice in jazz, improvisation or contemporary art music and its composition.