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Nardi Simpson
Featured
Professional Bio
Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay storyteller. Training as a musician, Nardi is a member of Indigenous vocal duo Stiff Gins. Performing both nationally and internationally for over 25 years, Stiff Gins are recipients of Deadly Awards, International World Music Awards and the Centenary Medal for Services to Indigenous Music.
Her debut novel, 'Song of the Crocodile’ was published in 2020 and went on to win the 2021 ASAL Gold Medal and the University of Queensland Fiction Book award. It was also shortlisted for several national book awards and was longlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Award, Stella Prize and the Dublin Literary Award. Nardi's second novel 'the belburd' was released in October 2024.
As a graduate of Ngarra Burria First People’s Composers, Nardi’s compositions have been programmed by ensembles and orchestras in both Australia and overseas. Nardi was composer in residence at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Monash University and has commissions for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, State Opera of South Australia, and Short Black Opera. Nardi also leads a cultural women’s singing collective based in Lightning Ridge, NSW.
Nardi continues to perform with Stiff Gins, works with student ensembles at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and directs cross-cultural community choir Barayagal. Undertaking a PhD with the ANU School of Music, Nardi remains committed and active in the making and sharing of music and story in both her Sydney and Yuwaalaraay communities. She returns to Taronga Zoo after working for a decade on ‘Burbangana,’ a project that connects First Nations children in care to culture, environment and belonging.
Her debut novel, 'Song of the Crocodile’ was published in 2020 and went on to win the 2021 ASAL Gold Medal and the University of Queensland Fiction Book award. It was also shortlisted for several national book awards and was longlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Award, Stella Prize and the Dublin Literary Award. Nardi's second novel 'the belburd' was released in October 2024.
As a graduate of Ngarra Burria First People’s Composers, Nardi’s compositions have been programmed by ensembles and orchestras in both Australia and overseas. Nardi was composer in residence at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Monash University and has commissions for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, State Opera of South Australia, and Short Black Opera. Nardi also leads a cultural women’s singing collective based in Lightning Ridge, NSW.
Nardi continues to perform with Stiff Gins, works with student ensembles at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and directs cross-cultural community choir Barayagal. Undertaking a PhD with the ANU School of Music, Nardi remains committed and active in the making and sharing of music and story in both her Sydney and Yuwaalaraay communities. She returns to Taronga Zoo after working for a decade on ‘Burbangana,’ a project that connects First Nations children in care to culture, environment and belonging.