William Barton

Born in Mt Isa, William Barton is considered one of the world’s leading didgeridoo players and is increasingly recognised as a composer and is a powerful advocate for the wider perception of his cultural traditions.

In recent years William performed in the Aldeburgh Festival, the Litchfield Festival for the UK premiere performance of Peter Sculthorpe's Requiem with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Choir. In 2005 he embarked on a Musica Viva national tour with the Goldner String Quartet and that same year William performed at the 90th Anniversary ceremonies at ANZAC Cove Gallipoli and with the London Philharmonic. Highlights of his 2006 season included performances with the Sydney Symphony, Tasmanian Symphony and Western Australian Symphony Orchestras and presented his own works in concert at the Pompidou Centre, Paris. In 2007 concerts included the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Reno Chamber and Jena Philharmonic Orchestras. He also performed at the Venice Music Biennale and Australia Pittsburgh Festival in the USA as well as solo concerts in the Paris Quartier d'Été Festival. In 2008 William premiered a work entitled Kalkadunga with the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House and toured with that orchestra to Italy. Also in 2008 William collaborated with François Klaus for his 10th anniversary with the Queensland Ballet presenting a new work.

William Barton continues to collaborate with orchestras, choral directors and composers in Australia, America and Europe, developing new commissions for the didgeridoo and creating a strong and positive sustainable future for the instrument and Australia's cultural heritage.

William featured on Australian Story on ABC television in 2007 and was a 2007 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Finalist.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Upon application