Inspire a LIFE of music
From supporting the careers of Australia’s leading performers to championing the next generation of Australian talent, the impact of our music reaches far beyond the concert hall.
We asked our Principal Cellist Paul, and young collaborators Hamish and Katia, what music means to their daily lives.
Discover their stories and help to inspire a life of music by making a tax deductible donation before 30 June.
Hamish Wright
Violin Student, Penrith Conservatorium
I’ve made some of my closest friends performing in ensembles, and I’ve grown closer to people because of music.
Playing in a chamber ensemble is a challenge. You have the responsibility of performing your part alone, and it can be difficult to find enough performance opportunities, especially if you’re from a more regional area. That’s why it is so helpful to rehearse and perform with professionals who can share their expertise.
Over the last few years I’ve gotten to know Omega Ensemble through a number of workshops. When Omega Ensemble performs a new piece, there’s always a buzz in the air. It’s amazing to be onstage with them, and to take part in creating that exciting atmosphere.
I’m excited to be performing with Omega Ensemble again later this year in Penrith. It means the musicians can meet our audience, and our audience can experience new music.
Katia Geha
2024 CoLAB Composer
Every moment of the day I am either thinking about music, listening to music or making music. It consumes me, that’s why I am a composer.
Last year I attended Omega Ensemble’s CoLAB showcase at Sydney Opera House, and I was completely inspired. The concert gave me hope for new music performances in Australia and I’m so excited that I’ve been accepted into the CoLAB program this year.
This opportunity allows me to work with musicians who care about my music as much as I do, and as a composer that is the best feeling ever. Omega Ensemble not only provides commissioning opportunities, but nurtures an ongoing relationship with their collaborators, which I think is extremely important.
As a young, female composer from an ethnic background, I feel there is finally some space for people like me. We now have the awareness to learn from diverse artistic voices, and I’m proud to be contributing my voice to the Australian musical landscape.
Paul Stender
Principal Cello
In my life, if cello is going well, everything is going well.
I’ve been performing with Omega Ensemble for over a decade. I love that the dynamic is ever-changing. From one program to the next we change, from our repertoire to our motivation, but there is a togetherness which unites each performance.
Every piece of music is unique, but when you’ve worked on it from initial sketches through to the premiere performance, you gain such an intimate understanding of the music. When you’re creating something new, you don’t know how it’s going to be received, which makes it even more exciting.
We want new music to have a life beyond its first performance, so it feels great to work with younger ensembles and to hand a piece over to the next group who are going to perform it. It’s the perfect way to end a tour, and it’s fabulous to know that young musicians are engaging with the works we create.
We learn so much from working with the next generation. I hope that they get as much out of it as we do.