For almost two decades, Omega Ensemble has built a well-deserved reputation in Sydney for presenting innovative chamber programs. The past few years have seen the group make a concerted effort to break out of New South Wales and go national, and if the audience reaction to their most recent show at Melbourne Recital Centre is anything to go by, they are well on their way to cementing a whole new fanbase.

Omega Ensemble: Échappsodie. Photo © Laura Manariti

Omega are known for immersive conceptual concerts that highlight new and Australian works. As such, the program they offered in Échappsodie was somewhat atypical for them, with the ensemble tackling a greater proportion of ‘traditional’ repertoire than their norm. That said, these still weren’t pieces you’d hear regularly, and care had obviously been taken to ensure a cohesive and intriguing program.

Artistic Director and clarinetist David Rowden, together with pianist Vatche Jambazian, opened with Debussy’s deliciously lyrical Première Rhapsodie. As Rowden performed from memory, requiring no stand or other accessories, the two performers formed a strikingly minimalist scene in the expanse of Melbourne Recital Centre’s beautiful...