24 — 27 March 2025
Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle

La Musica Notturna

Umberto Clerici, Guest Director and cellist

A celebration of the cello 250 years in the making

Program

Luigi Boccherini
La Musica Notturna delle Strade di Madrid

Antonio Vivaldi
Cello Concerto in B minor, RV 424

Giovanni Sollima
Violoncelles, vibrez!

Peter Gregson
New Commission (World Premiere)

Duration: Approximately 90 mins without interval

  • Celebrated cellist and conductor Umberto Clerici guest directs a musical exposé of the cello that vibrates across style, tradition and time.

    A cellist of extraordinary technical skill, much like Paganini who came after him, Luigi Boccherini was a virtuoso in both performance and composition. His La Musica Notturna delle Strade di Madrid paints a vivid soundscape of Madrid's streets at night, evoking the tolling of church bells, the drum rolls of a military barracks, and the minuet of blind beggars—where cellists imitate guitarists.

    Described affectionately as the ‘crazy Sicilian,’ cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima's Violoncelles, vibrez! electrifies from start to finish with its impulsive expression, death defying shifts, and show-stopping virtuosity. In true Southern Italian style, Sollima blends operatic melodrama with Hendrix-like intensity, creating a thrilling journey of intense emotion and breathtaking skill.

    Described as a composer and cellist "working at the forefront of the new music scene" (The New Yorker), Peter Gregson’s music is innovative blend of classical and minimal contemporary styles. In a world premiere ‘concerto gross’ commissioned for cellist Umberto Clerici and clarinetist David Rowden, Gregson’s music stands at the forefront of contemporary music, while simultaneously reaching far into the heritage of his own instrument, the cello, for inspiration.

  • Umberto Clerici, solo cello and guest director
    David Rowden, solo clarinet
    Omega Ensemble

  • Peter Gregson is commissioned by Omega Ensemble with the generous support of Richard Cobden and the Living Music Commissioning Circle.

    Photography by Saskia Wilson

Tickets

Multi tickets: Book two or more performances in the 2025 National Concert Season and save up to 25%

Date Time Location Venue Tickets
Mon 24 Mar 2025 7:00 PM Melbourne Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre
Tue 25 Mar 2025 7:00 PM Sydney City Recital Hall
Thu 27 Mar 2025 7:00 PM Newcastle Newcastle City Hall

Event guide

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.