Elevator Music

Omega Ensemble is renowned for its forward thinking and innovative work which is defined by commissioning original compositions and collaborating with solo artists and virtuosos. Elevator music provides a superb example of this approach and highlights compositions that bring the clarinet to the forefront of the performance. This program is predominantly showcasing contemporary works that are bright, lively and often deeply moving. Elevator music is aptly described as raucous and irreverent and provides an evening of delectable pleasure.

The program opens with a stunning performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Allegro from Serenade No. 13, 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik'. The program then shifts its attention to Anna Clyne’s Stride. This is a melodic and dynamic composition which is brooding and volatile and is inspired by Beethoven's popular Sonata Pathétique for piano. This is followed by the world premiere of Graeme Koehne’s Double Clarinet Concerto, Dances on the Edge of Time. Renowned clarinet soloists Michael Collins and David Rowden beautifully accentuate the playfulness of this music. The composition has sweeping moments of beauty and grandeur as well as delicate and contemplative elements. The duo creates a joyful performance that focuses on the colourful vibrancy of the instrument. The composition provides a varied and intense journey of music that is often striking in its simplicity and tenderness.

The program concludes with Aaron Copland’s Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp and Piano. This racy and energetic composition is infused with a variety of jazz sounds and rhythms which contribute to producing a very unusual and original sound. The sense of spontaneity and zest associated with different jazz traditions are borrowed to bring new levels of expression to the clarinet. In this performance the duo returned for an encore and both Collins and Rowden present the clarinet as a powerhouse of spirit and passion.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Eloise Coomber