About
Omega Ensemble are one of Australia’s foremost professional chamber music groups. Founded in 2005 by clarinettist David Rowden, the Ensemble have fast became a powerful musical force in Sydney, hailed as ‘first-rate musicians’ (the Daily Telegraph) and ’one of the best chamber music outfits in town’ (Sydney Morning Herald).
The Ensemble present some of Australia’s most outstanding talents, as well as international guest artists, in a powerful chamber music setting. In addition to their work with the Ensemble, many of Omega’s core musicians also hold principal roles in professional orchestras, including Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, USA.
The Ensemble’s artistic programs are diverse and provocative, presenting music from the late-Baroque to 20th Century, as well as frequent World and Australian premieres. Omega have to date commissioned over 40 works from leading composers, including Elena Kats-Chernin, Andrew Ford, Matthew Hindson, George Palmer and most recently American composer Nico Muhly.
Omega Ensemble perform regularly in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as frequent touring to regional areas and appearances at national music festivals. In addition to performances at home, Omega has also toured to China, with sellout performances and masterclasses at the Beijing Central Conservatory, Chang Chun’s JiLin College of Arts and Dalian University.
In addition to concert performances, Omega also maintains a growing On Demand catalogue of live concert videos, available online as well as broadcast on Australia’s national airline, Qantas, In-flight Entertainment. The Ensemble’s live performances regularly air on radio, including ABC Classic FM and the Ensemble’s debut studio album was released on ABC Classics in 2016. In 2018 the Ensemble launched the Omega Classics label for independent release of new studio recordings, and an expansive back catalogue of live recordings.