Performed with agility a lovely balance of well and lesser known works
... sublime... expressive... well-controlled
Read More... sublime... expressive... well-controlled
Read More... intense, exciting but refined cello playing... this cellist’s sincere and skilled communication captivated the audience.
Read More... lush, full-bodied tone and first-class reading, along with some superb playing by [Omega]...
Read MoreFrom the first chord, Teije held the audience’s attention with his commanding stage presence and sonorous and expressive performing.
Read MoreThe opening movement was delivered with a robust energy which made the most of the contrasts between solo, small group and tutti passages. In the slow movement flautist Lisa Osmialowski displayed subtle legato playing over a warm cushion of lower instruments
Read MoreWhat was striking however, was the clarity of the sound, the high levels of musicianship and the impressive way in which this group filled a large venue that I’m used to hearing much larger ensembles perform at.
Read MoreRowden and John Lewis’s clarinets chirped in the scherzo over the burbling bassoons and the horns rang out their joyful calls in the last movement.
Read MoreDavid Rowden gave a commanding performance of the substantial material on offer. His virtuosic display was varied, covering beautiful tone and line through to dazzling bravura.
Read MoreThe first movement features difficult runs on the piano in which the pianist, Maria Raspopova shone. The cello was prominent in the introspective Adagio while the clarinettist, David Rowden, shone in the finale, a set of variations on the above song.
Read MoreThe Brahms, of course, was the main fare of the afternoon and the Ensemble combined tightly and impressively throughout its four movements. Perhaps the best description of this work is contained in Eusebius Mandyczewski's letter to Brahms: “It’s as though the instruments were in love with each other.” That feeling certainly came across in this performance.
Read MoreRowden’s even velvety tone and musical shaping coupled with Raspopova’s responsive and assured accompaniment made it a constant pleasure.
Read MoreThis was a stand-out delivery from a difficult work and demonstrated Omega’s ability at navigating the most difficult and tricky musical passages, while at the same time making them seem the easiest thing in the world.
Read More"Soprano soloist Lee Abrahmsen was the brightest of the many highlights in Omega's meaty program of Wagner, Mahler and Strauss."
Read More"You would think with a piece of this complexity a conductor would be necessary but the ensemble handled it magnificently without. It always felt secure and tight. The piece was a lot of fun; congratulations both to Ford and the ensemble. It deserves to be part of the repertoire, I hope to hear it again some time."
Read MoreIt was a tremendously sophisticated performance by pianist Maria Raspopova, violinist Ike See, violist Neil Thompson and cellist Teije Hylkema. The ensemble was taut and the performance was inspired with a rapturous range of colour and dynamic.
Read MoreRowden once again demonstrated his ability to effortlessly perform lyrically and with sophistication.
Read More... a demonstration of the fine programming and the bright, bold and beautiful sound that Omega produces time and time again.
Read More“... the performers superbly captured and conjured the imagery of the ballet...”
Read MoreRevealing Music