Composer and saxophonist Brenda Gifford has been announced as the recipient of the Merlyn Myer Music Commission.

The Merlyn Myer Music Commission enables an Australian female composer to create a new musical work, providing creative freedom and fostering artistic development while providing an opportunity for the composer’s new work to be performed and recorded at Melbourne Recital Centre.

A proud Yuin woman from the Wreck Bay area, near Jervis Bay, NSW, Gifford’s Country, community and culture are the basis of her arts practice.

She has composed a special piece for chamber group Ensemble Offspring titled Wadhu/Skin. The work brings to life the Yuin foundations through didgeridoo and clap stick music, performed by Joe McLeod, Gifford’s nephew.

Brenda Gifford. Photo supplied.

“This commission opens up possibilities for me to look at different ways to highlight and share my culture through the medium of music,” said Gifford on learning of the commission. “The piece I have created is interwoven with spoken word in language, and using language is important to me as it gives voice to our peoples and culture. My goal is to express our connection to each other as people; to our ancestors and...