“It’s so important that we be ourselves. We need new blood and enthusiasm. Most of all, we need arts that speak to our society now.”
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I grew up in a time when we were in awe of Europe and what was going on there musically. Today, we’re much more aware of the relevance of our own culture and its significance within a global context.
When David Rowden first approached me to write a new work for Omega Ensemble, it was originally to be just a quintet. I was also working on an opera, and I don’t normally like to be working on more than one thing at a time. But I thought, “a quintet will be manageable”.
As I was considering what the new work might be, I attended more of the Ensemble’s performances. I was so impressed by the virtuosity, musicality and dedication of the musicians. I admit, I got terribly excited and a bit carried away, and the quintet soon turned into a concerto!
What I discovered is that an Omega Ensemble performance is not your normal concert. You can feel the anticipation building up to something special. It’s something new. It’s challenging. It’s transformative programming that feeds off the enthusiasm of an audience.
But even more so, Omega Ensemble are joyfully fulfilling what is clearly a mission: to participate in a raising of standards, appreciation and understanding of Australian music.
For far too long, we have followed the rest of the world, and it really is time we grew up. It’s so important that we be ourselves. We need new blood and enthusiasm. Most of all, we need arts that speak to our society now.
Australia needs more leaders like Omega Ensemble, with the commitment and confidence to put contemporary and local voices at the heart of what they do. It is what makes me so excited and honoured to write for them.
Make a tax-deductible donation and help support the creation of groundbreaking new music and a place for Australian voices on home soil.