About
William Barton is Australia’s leading didgeridoo player and a highly esteemed composer, instrumentalist, and vocalist.
William first learned the instrument from his uncle, Arthur Peterson, an Elder of the Wannyi, Lardil, and Kalkadunga people. At an early age, he began collaborating with traditional dance groups, fusion/rock/jazz bands, orchestras, string quartets, and mixed ensembles.
Throughout his diverse career, he has forged a path in the classical music world, including performances with the London, Berlin, and Bremer Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as historic events at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day 2019, Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, and the Beijing Olympics.
William holds honorary doctorates from Griffith University and the University of Sydney. He has released five albums on ABC Classic, including Heartland 2022 with Véronique Serret and the words of his mother, Aunty Delmae Barton.
William was named Queensland Australian of the Year and received the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music in 2023. He was also an Australian of the Year Nominee. His work with the Australian Chamber Orchestra on the soundtrack of the film “River” won several awards in 2022, including Best Soundtrack Album and Best Original Song Composed for the Screen.
Australian Youth Orchestra
