Omega Ensemble (OE) has announced its 2026 program. With its hallmark blend of classical and contemporary works, the ensemble’s 21st year tightens its commitment to new music, with a world premiere from an Australian or international composer on every program.

Omega Ensemble. Photo © Saskia Wilson

The season kicks off with Starburst in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne (12–18 February), named after Jessie Montgomery’s bite-sized string orchestra work. As in 2025’s Elevator Music, OE has commissioned another Australian double concerto – Lachlan Skipworth’s A Turning Sky for trumpet and clarinet, with  SSO Principal Trumpet David Elton and OE Artistic Director David Rowden in the spotlight. Rowden also tackles Finzi’s Clarinet Concerto, while Elton and pianist Vatche Jambazian show off their chops in Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings.

Howl, in Sydney (2 May), presents an overview of the contemporary classical scene around the world with works from 2010 until now. Complementing a new work for string quartet and electronics by the LA-based French composer...