SUMMER WINDS: BEETHOVEN TO RAVEL

The Omega Ensemble.                                                                                                                                                        Banner image: Sally Walker. Photos: Keith Saunders

A musical voyage for winds with panoramic summer views of Sydney Harbour.  Set sail in a discovery of the mystical and mythical with a celebration of all things woodwind with The Omega Ensemble for one performance only Sunday 25 February @ 2.30pm in the Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House. [Facebook Event]

Get to know the flute up close and personal through Debussy’s famous solo flute piece, Syrinx with its haunting melodies that explore the full range of the instrument.

Also featured is Ravel’s striking Le Tombeau de Couperin in a sublime and rarely-heard arrangement for woodwinds which draw out the deeply personal and reflective music dedicated to friends Ravel had lost during World War I. Also included is Paul Taffanel’s revealing Wind Quintet which highlights all of the wind instruments. At the centre-piece of this nautically-themed concert is Malcolm Arnold’s witty and delightful Sea Shanties. Composed in 1943 these pieces are as much fun for the performer as they are for the listener.

Omega Ensemble “…eloquence and mastery…the tapestry of Australia’s concert life…” Sydney Arts Guide

Artistic Director: David Rowden (clarinet)
 with Sally Walker (flute), Celia Craig (oboe), Ben Hoadley (bassoon) and Michael Dixon (horn)

Program:
Debussy “Syrinx”, for Solo Flute
Taffanel Wind Quintet in G minor
Beethoven Duo for Bassoon and Clarinet
Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin
Arnold Three Shanties for Wind Quintet, Op. 4

For more about Summer Winds: From Beethoven to Ravel, Sunday 25 February @ 2.30pm, visit the website or Facebook.  Also on YouTube.