Australia Ensemble has announced a pre-launch teaser of four concerts for its 2024 season, full details of which will be made known in December.

But the bigger news for followers of the chamber group is that long-serving members Dene Olding (violin), Irina Morozova (viola) and pianist Ian Munro are stepping back from regular ensemble playing.

Continuing members Dimity Hall, David Griffiths and Julian Smiles will perform alongside special guest artists, with Olding and Morozova – both of whom have played with Australia Ensemble for more than 40 years – performing as Emeritus Artists.

Ian Munro, Irina Morozova and Dene Olding. Image supplied

Morozova was part of the Australia Ensemble from the very beginning. She featured in the AE’s first concert on 10 March, 1980 and as well as playing, has also served as the Ensemble’s archivist. Her sound has always been central to the Ensemble’s dynamic – a sound composer Paul Stanhope describes as inextricably part of Morozova’s personality: “Irina is warm-hearted and completely authentic musician: there...