Wiradjuri soprano Shauntai Abdul-Rahman has been selected to lead the 2026/27 First Nations Artist Residency program delivered by Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Australian Art Orchestra and Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation.
Ms Abdul-Rahman is a vocalist and composer whose practice spans opera, gospel, First Nations storytelling, classical composition and theatre-making.
She has worked with organisations including Opera Australia, QPAC, Short Black Opera, Victorian Opera, MIFF, Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Ilbijerri.
Ms Abdul-Rahman is also the founder of Blak Opal Creative, an initiative focused on showcasing First Nations excellence through artistry.
The residency supports the career development of a First Nations musician working in jazz, improvisation, singer-songwriter music, hip-hop, soul or contemporary art music and composition.
She told Limelight Arts the program would allow her to bring several parts of her practice together.
"I am deeply honoured to be selected for the MIJF FNAR program with the generous support of AAO, MIJF and Songlines," Ms Abdul-Rahman said.
"This year is an invitation to weave together classical form, jazz improvisation, and First Nations storytelling as the core of my practice.
"I am so excited to present this through new musical works and a song cycle reclaiming the European art song form through First Nations language, musical values, and spiritual worldview."
As program leader, Ms Abdul-Rahman will receive a $7,500 commission fee from Melbourne International Jazz Festival to develop a new work.
The residency will lead to a performance outcome at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival in 2027, with a separate performance fee.
The Australian Art Orchestra will also provide a $7,500 professional and artistic development bursary.
Ms Abdul-Rahman will receive producing support and mentorship from Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Australian Art Orchestra staff to develop and present the work.
The program also includes consultation with a member of the Australian Art Orchestra's First Nations Artistic Advisory Circle, which includes Kutcha Edwards, Brenda Gifford, Adam Manning and David Arden.
Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation will provide mentoring and consultation through Uncle Rob Bundle.
The residency also includes a Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2026/27 ticketing package and artistic and industry networking opportunities.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Australian Art Orchestra and Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation acknowledged the People of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Custodians of the land where the festival and activities take place.
The organisations said they were honoured to contribute to more than 60,000 years of music making and culture on the land.
