Bridge to Otherness is a portrait in sound of the Blue Mts, where I live in Australia commissioned by WDR Audioakustisches Kunst (Koln). People who have differing world views who call this place home speak – from indigenous elders of the Gundungarra clan, to a local anthropologist, writers, shop keepers, ecologists, artists, musicians and even the manager the highway upgrade. Bridge to Otherness was written composed as a response to the mainstream celebrations of the bicentenary of the crossing of Blue Mts by the colonial explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth and looks at how the colonisation of place has affected our relationship and response to it , and our sense and perception of time as technology has provided the means to speed across the escarpment on a highway which was developed from an indigenous walking track. Bridge to Otherness asks “what is progress?”. Interwoven with the talking are the sounds of the bush recorded by the composer -birds, water and wind.

Step into the captivating world of Jo Truman – a versatile artist weaving together music, composition, and visual artistry. With a rich background as a teacher at Sydney Community Colleges and the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium, and as a tutor at Nepean Community College for 18 years, Jo brings a wealth of experience to her creative endeavors.

As a freelance radiophonic feature writer, composer, and producer for ABC and WDR over 19 years, Jo’s artistic journey is both diverse and impactful. Join us on this immersive experience, where Jo Truman’s harmonious blend of roles as a singer, musician, sound artist, composer, and visual artist unfolds in a symphony of creativity.