Photo by Stephen Henry Photography
FIRST NATIONS COMMISSIONING PROJECT
From 2026, Southern Cross Soloists broadens the scope of its First Nations work.
We will continue to work with didgeridoo players, and alongside that work there will be programs to support a wider range of First Nations artists: composer, instrumentalists, storytellers, singers.
Southern Cross Soloists respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians & First Nation owners of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We also recognise those whose ongoing effort to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will leave a lasting legacy for future Elders and leaders.
Three emerging First Nations musicians from South East Queensland connect with Southern Cross Soloists musicians and professional mentors to develop compositional skills and industry connections.
The project is directed by SXS board member and musician Nathaniel Andrew. Nate is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Known for his versatility, Nathaniel performs a wide range of genres, from jazz and country to classical music, making him a sought-after performer and educator.
The three 2026 participants are Moss McGregor, Gling Hunt and Jayden Fullwood. See more information on each below. Moss, Gling and Jayden come from different musical worlds, but all are at the perfect stage in their careers to compose their first works of chamber music. These three participants receive a commissioning fee, professional guidance and mentorship, cultural support and hands-on collaboration with musicians.
The new works will be workshopped and recorded by Southern Cross Soloists, and made available by the Australian Music Centre. All three works will be performed in Brisbane and on tour in 2027.
“What makes this Commissioning Project so exciting is seeing artists like Moss, Gling and Jayden—who come from totally different musical worlds—bring their unique energy into the chamber music space. NAIDOC Week is the perfect reminder of how meaningful it is to collaborate, to allow new voices to reshape our sound.” Tim Munro, SXS Artistic Director
2026 Participants
musician/producer
Wadawurrung man
An electronic music producer who is experimenting with manipulating sounds in nature.
Gling Hunt
singer/songwriter
Barkindji man
His songs are based on life experiences surrounding love and loss - a universal topic.
Jayden Fullwood
percussion/composer
Connections to Boigu Island
An experienced young jazz drummer who is eager to extend his practice in many different spaces.