Darwin Maninya

“Darwin Maninya” is a celebration of the city and culture of Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory. Darwin is a coastal city at the “Top End” of “Down Under” and is known for its tropical climate and cultural diversity. It's also a gateway to exploring the Northern Territory's rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The maninya style of music was invented by Australia composer Ross Edwards in the late 1970s. Maninyas are a type of a dance/chant characterised by lively rhythms, angular melodies, simple harmonies, and an abstraction of Australian wildlife sounds.

Ben Lahring (b. 1986) is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. Additionally, he is the classical guitar instructor at Ambrose University. From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations. As a performer-composer, his album Driftwood was reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). Lahring counts among his composition teachers Dr. Heva Chan in Sydney, Australia, and Drs. Laurie Radford and Allan Bell in Calgary, Canada.