16 — 21 Aug 2025
Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle
Elevator Music
Revealing, raucous and beautifully irreverent
Program
Anna Clyne
Stride
Aaron Copland
Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp and Piano
Graeme Koehne
Double Clarinet Concerto (World Premiere)
Approximately 90 mins without interval
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Legendary UK clarinettist Michael Collins mixes the classics with the common man in this side-winding and heart-racing performance.
Celebrated as a “composer of uncommon gifts and unusual methods” (The New York Times), Grammy-nominated composer Anna Clyne's Stride takes fragments of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata, refracting the work's adored lyricism in a captivating exploration of tension and release.
An enduring masterwork brilliantly showcasing the clarinet’s expressive range, Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto opens with one of the composer's most tender melodies before launching into an energetic cacophony filled with jazz rhythms and capped by a thrilling clarinet “smear.”
Brimming with a tongue-in-cheek charm, the world premiere of Graeme Koehne's Double Clarinet Concerto — written especially for Michael Collins and David Rowden — is a work of joyful contrasts, equally full of soul-searching melodies, popular references and heart-racing rhythms.
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Michael Collins, solo clarinet
David Rowden, solo clarinet
Omega Ensemble -
Graeme Koehne is commissioned by Omega Ensemble with the generous support of Kim Williams AM
Tickets
Multi tickets: Book two or more performances in the 2025 National Concert Season and save up to 25%
Date | Time | Location | Venue | Tickets | |
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Sat 16 Aug 2025 | 7:00 PM | Melbourne | Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre |
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Tue 19 Aug 2025 | 7:00 PM | Sydney | City Recital Hall |
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Thu 21 Aug 2025 | 7:00 PM | Newcastle | Newcastle City Hall |
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Event guide
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We believe everyone should have the opportunity to attend and enjoy our performances.
We work closely with performance venues who share our commitment to increased access, inclusivity and continued improvement. Most venues list details such as wheelchair accessibility, hearing loops and parking on their venue information.
However, some venues, including heritage or non-traditional performance spaces, may have limitations.
If you or someone attending with you has additional access or seating needs, please contact the venue box office prior to booking your tickets or attending a performance.
If you require further advice, please get in touch at contact@omegaensemble.com.au
Companion cards
A companion card enables an extra ticket at no additional cost for those assisting a person with a disability. To book tickets to a performance with a companion card, please call the venue box office directly. Proof of eligibility may be required.
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Can I take photos?
Yes! We encourage you to capture and share your concert experience and be sure to tag us on social media!
However, to avoid disrupting the performance the best time to take a photo is during applause. Video or audio recording of the performance is not permitted.
What should I wear?
A classical music performance is a special occasion, and some prefer to go glam when attending our events.
However, formal attire or official uniforms are not expected and most audience go for a smart casual look.
Overall, dress comfortably and to your personal style.
When should I clap?
This is a common question, especially when attending classical music for the first time.
Many classical music works are made up of sections or ‘movements’, and musicians may take a brief pause in between each movement during performance.
Where a work includes movements, these are listed in the concert program so you can follow along.
It is tradition to hold your applause until after the final movement has finished. But don’t worry if you're unsure, simply wait until the ensemble takes a bow or follow others around you.
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Arriving late
Latecomers will be permitted in an appropriate gap in the performance. On late arrival, please see the front of house staff who will assist you.
Running times
The duration of a performance may vary from the information advertised at time of printing or purchase, in particular when the performance includes new commissions. The approximate duration of each performance will be updated online and sent to you in pre-concert information ahead of the performance.
Noise and distractions
The thrill of classical music is experiencing performance live and up-close. The intimate and un-amplified nature of classical music also means that any noise from the audience can often be heard by the performers on stage.
Your phone can also cause disruptions to those around you, especially when using an illuminated screen in a dark concert hall.
We encourage you to make the most of the live concert experience by leaving your phone in your pocket (and switched off) and minimising any talking during the performance.
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Concessions and Under 30s
When booking or collecting Concession or Under 30s tickets, you may be required to provide proof of eligibility, such as a government issued senior or pensioner card, drivers licence or proof of age card.
Concession tickets are available for means-tested Government issued concession card holders, including age pension, disability support pension and seniors healthcare card holders.
Seating reserves
For venues with separate seating reserves, you will be able to purchase your tickets from a seating map.
Receiving tickets
You will receive a confirmation upon completing your purchase. To avoid ticket scalping, many venues now delay sending tickets until closer to the individual performance date. Unless you have selected another delivery method, you should receive your tickets by email at least 48 hours prior to a performance.
Please consider using digital tickets to help us reduce the environmental impact of our events.
Ticketing policy
We abide by the Live Performance Australia (LPA) Ticketing Code of Practice. Where tickets are sold through a venue box office or authorised ticketing agent, purchases may also be also subject to additional conditions of sale. Please visit our website to read the full ticketing policy.
Ticket refunds and exchanges
In accordance with the ticketing code of practice, all ticket purchases are final and no refunds can be made after purchase unless an event is cancelled, rescheduled or in exceptional circumstances.
If you are no longer able to attend a performance, you may transfer your tickets to another performance within the same year at no charge. Please note, ticket transfers may be limited to performances within the same venue and subject to ticket availability.
Including a donation with your tickets
When booking through an external venue box office, you may be asked to include a donation with your ticket purchase. Please be aware that these donations do not support Omega Ensemble.
If you would like to support the ensemble, kindly consider making a separate donation on our website after purchasing your tickets.
Booking and credit card fees
Additional booking and credit card processing fees may apply and will be displayed at the final stage of checkout. These fees may differ between different venue box offices or ticketing agents.