Omega Ensemble: Ecstatic Dances

Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost.

When Ross Edwards composed his first Ecstatic Dance in 1978, he discovered an idiosyncratic and kinetic way of writing. It was a formative moment, from which emerged the composers’ iconic and infectiously jubilant style that defined a generation of Australian classical music. In his 80th birthday year, Omega Ensemble gives the world premiere of a new Clarinet Concerto led by Artistic Director David Rowden.

An ode to the infectious spirit of rhythm and dance, this premiere work is accompanied and Phillip Glass’ epic Violin Concerto No.2, performed by UK violin maverick Thomas Gould. Entitled ‘The American Four Seasons’, the legendary composers’ electrifying concerto is a visceral homage to the forces of nature, packed full of dizzying twists and turns, turbo-charged drive and heart-stopping intensity.