MsNardi Simpson
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Orcid identifier0009-0007-4948-7752 (opens in a new tab)
- Postdoctoral Research AssociateSydney Conservatorium of Music
BIO
Nardi Simpson, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Gugurruwan: Sacred Waters and Women's Lore/Law
Lightning Ridge (NSW)
Nardi Simpson is a First Nations, Yuwaalaraay storyteller, composer and singer/song- writer based in Sydney. She is a multi-award-winning novelist for her books Song of the Crocodile (2000) and the belburd (2024) both published by Hatchette Australia. She is a postdoctoral researcher on two ARC-funded projects at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, focussed on Yuwaalaraay music and women's knowledge around sacred waterways, women's creation and healing.
As a composer, Nardi Simpson has had works commissioned for Short Black Opera (2024), Canberra Symphony Orchestra (2023), Out Loud & Proud International Choral Festival (2023), ABC Fresh Start Initiative (2022), Ngarra Burria Piyanna ANU (2022). Her work composed for Ensemble Offspring, barra, a sonic and storied journey through Yuwaalaraay story and homelands has been featured at the 2021 Sydney Festival, 2023 'Songlines and Nordic Nights' Helsinki, 'Composing Songlines' Pantopia Festival, Berlin and at the 2024 Darwin Festival.
Nardi is a songwriter and founding member of Australia's longest currently performing all female all indigenous group Stiff Gins. She is in high demand as a lecturer, workshop-leader, board member and consultant, and directs the cross-cultural choir Barayagal at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Recent publications:
Sainsbury C, Simpson N. Artists' Perspectives Ngarra-burria Indigenous Composers and Their Interventions in Art Music Practice. In: Harris A, Bracknell C, eds.?The Cambridge Companion to Music in Australia. Cambridge Companions to Music. Cambridge University Press; 2024:299-308.
Simpson N. CODA. In: Harris, A. Representing Australian Aboriginal Music and Dance 1930-1970. New York: Bloomsbury Academic; 2020:149-153.
SCHOOL
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music