Rubina Kimiia, a proud Cook Island/Samoan woman raised in Aotearoa (New Zealand), brings a unique blend of cultural heritage and artistic vision to the Australian music scene. With a passion for indigenous storytelling through music, Rubina’s journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, new works, and cultural celebration.

As the Composer, Co-Librettist, and Musical Director of “Straight from the Strait,” Rubina draws inspiration from her time as a music educator on Thursday Island, where she developed a deep connection to the region’s rich cultural tapestry. This firsthand experience has profoundly influenced her compositions, fusing soulful melodies and harmonies with the traditional instrumentation that illuminates the essence of Torres Strait Islander music.

Among her standout new works as Composer/Arranger/Musical Director are “Beginnings” for Cairns Regional Council, Commonwealth Games, “Woven” as Creative Producer for AustraNesia and Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and “La Bella Figura” for JUTE Theatre Company. Rubina has collaborated with Opera Queensland’s “Homegrown,” “Women in Voice,” “Women of the World,” Queensland Music Festival, Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Spirit of Christmas, and several other entities for varied projects. A career highlight was orchestrating some of her own compositions for Queensland Symphony and Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, performed with her own group, AustraNesia.

Rubina’s creative brilliance extends beyond the stage, as she continually aspires to uplift and inspire through her music. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to amplifying diverse voices make her a true luminary in the Australian music scene. She says, “To be entrusted with others’ stories and language, to create compositions that resonate deeply with audiences, that transcend cultural boundaries, is truly a privilege.”

With her masterful compositions and arrangements, Rubina Kimiia brings to life the spirit and essence of the Torres Strait, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.