Aunty Delmae Barton
Aunty Delmae Barton, widely recognised as Australia's Dreamtime Opera Diva, is a distinguished artist, cultural ambassador, and educator with a career spanning decades. A descendant of the Bidjara people of Central Queensland through her mother’s lineage, Delmae's life has been dedicated to sharing the richness of Indigenous Australian culture through music, poetry, and performance.
Her illustrious journey has taken her from regional Australia to the world's most prestigious stages, representing her heritage with grace and artistic excellence. Career highlights include performing at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Vatican's Una Notte Australiana celebrating the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, and a private recital at the Sydney Conservatorium for Queen Sofia of Spain.
Aunty Delmae has collaborated with orchestras, choirs, and ensembles, including the Queensland Orchestra, the Brisbane River Symphony, and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. She has performed alongside her son, internationally acclaimed musician William Barton, at the Canberra International Music Festival, the Canberra Folk Festival, and in numerous other concerts.
Her talents extend beyond performance to cultural education and advocacy. As Elder in Residence at Griffith University in Brisbane, she has provided guidance and cultural advice, furthering the connection between Indigenous knowledge and academia. Delmae also contributes to the Murri Court Justice system in Queensland, serving as a respected Elder.
Her passion for sharing cultural narratives has led to international workshops and residencies, including collaborations with the London Philharmonic's Education Program and the International Multimedia Facility, Fabrica Musica, in Italy. Notable projects include Songlines at the Naples Music Festival, where her artwork and music intertwined to tell profound stories of her heritage.
Delmae's artistry has been celebrated through her album Spirit Song, released in 2004, and she has graced countless festivals, including the Woodford Folk Festival, the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, and the Laura International Cultural Festival in Cape York.
From Canada to France, Italy, China, and beyond, Aunty Delmae Barton has shared the beauty and depth of her culture, cementing her legacy as a cultural icon and a beacon of Indigenous Australian artistry.
Robert Davidson
Robert is a prolific composer, bassist, lecturer and founder and artistic director of Topology, the ensemble-in-residence at the Brisbane Powerhouse and a Key Organisation funded by the Australia Council. Robert's compositions are regularly performed, recorded and broadcast around the world. All of Australia's professional orchestras and many leading soloists and ensembles have commissioned and performed his works. He has received many commissions for major works from festivals and venues including the Barbican Centre, Lincoln Center, Qld Music Festival, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Olympics Arts Festival, Canberra International Music Festival and many others. With Topology he has released twelve albums and a DVD. He has collaborated widely, with artists including Geoffrey Rush, The Brodsky Quartet, The Kransky Sisters, Gerry Connolly, Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Ed Kuepper, the Southern Cross Soloists, Trichotomy and The Australian Voices.
Sketch
Robert is a prolific composer, bassist, lecturer and founder and artistic director of Topology, the ensemble-in-residence at the Brisbane Powerhouse and a Key Organisation funded by the Australia Council. Robert's compositions are regularly performed, recorded and broadcast around the world. All of Australia's professional orchestras and many leading soloists and ensembles have commissioned and performed his works. He has received many commissions for major works from festivals and venues including the Barbican Centre, Lincoln Center, Qld Music Festival, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Olympics Arts Festival, Canberra International Music Festival and many others. With Topology he has released twelve albums and a DVD. He has collaborated widely, with artists including Geoffrey Rush, The Brodsky Quartet, The Kransky Sisters, Gerry Connolly, Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Ed Kuepper, the Southern Cross Soloists, Trichotomy and The Australian Voices.
About 2025 Nickson Room Concert Series
The University of Queensland School of Music is proud to present our Nickson Room Concert Series for 2025. In reflecting the School's role in the broader South-East Queensland community, we have designed a diverse and exciting program. With established international and national artists performing, as well as our own emerging student artists, this year is set to be a vibrant, creative, and energetic time at the UQ School of Music. We look forward to connecting with you.
