ABOUT

Allister Harrison is a Brisbane/Meanjin-based composer and musician with a proudly electic creative practice.

Born to a family of music lovers, Allister’s journey began with piano lessons aged four and trumpet lessons aged eight.

It was in those early years that Allister recognised within himself a clear and simple desire - fill his life with as much music as he possibly can.

He regards his efforts, so far, as reasonably successful.

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After finishing his undergraduate studies - and after a brief misguided stint in the law, culminating with a sojourn at the High Court - Allister went all-in on music.

He graduated in 2022 with a Masters in Music Studies from the Queensland Conservatorium, studying composition under Nicole Murphy and Gerardo Dirie, and conducting under Stefanie Smith and Peter Morris.

Allister’s first feature film score, ‘THE AEGEAN’ premiered at Brisbane International Film Festival in October 2024.

His most recent score, ‘A MOMENT IN THE SUN’, debuted at two US film festivals in July 2025, winning Best Feature in each.

Allister is the pianist and MD of the MANGO JAM BIG BAND, appearing at Woodford Folk Festival in 2025.

He also co-writes and performs original music alongside his sister, HILZ, appearing at the 2024 Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Allister tutors in brass, piano and percussion at several Brisbane schools, as well as accompanying exams and gigging regularly. He is an able pianist and enthusiastic brass all-rounder.

Allister is a member of both the Australian Guild of Screen Composers and Accompanists’ Guild of Queensland, and a Writer Member of APRA AMCOS.

His own tastes are broad, but some reliable favourites include Count Basie, Fiona Apple, The Talking Heads and Debussy.

Beyond music, Allister’s esoteric selection of interests includes cryptic crosswords, the Thirty Years’ War, and domestic cocktail-making.

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