Starburst

12 — 19 Feb 2026
Tickets and details >

Jessie Montgomery
Starburst

Gerald Finzi
Clarinet Concerto

Dmitri Shostakovich
Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings

Lachlan Skipworth
A Turning Sky
World Premiere

David Elton solo trumpet
Vatche Jambazian solo piano
David Rowden solo clarinet
Omega Ensemble

Lachlan Skipworth commissioned by Omega Ensemble with the generous support of Geoff Stearn

David Elton appears courtesy of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Explosions of sound and colour

Opening the 2026 Season with exhilarating flair, Shostakovich’s daring Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings takes centre stage in a whirlwind of classical fanfare, jazz-hall swagger and streetwise energy. Led by charismatic pianist Vatche Jambazian, the ensemble is joined on stage by special guest David Elton (Principal Trumpet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra).

Traversing the full spectrum of human experience, from tenderness to tumult, this performance also features Gerald Finzi’s lyrical Clarinet Concerto, a twentieth-century masterpiece of tender beauty, alongside Jessie Montgomery’s radiant Starburst, a constellation of sound where genres collide.

In a continuation of a dynamic creative partnership, Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth unveils A Turning Sky, a new double concerto for clarinet and trumpet written for David Rowden and long-time collaborator David Elton, bringing two solo voices into dazzling interplay and energy.

12 — 18 February 2026

Explosions of sound and colour

A whirlwind of classical fanfare, jazz-hall swagger and streetwise energy, featuring music by Shostakovich, Finzi, Montegomery and a world premiere by Lachlan Skipworth.

  • Jessie Montgomery
    Starburst

    Gerald Finzi
    Clarinet Concerto

    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings

    Lachlan Skipworth
    A Turning Sky
    World Premiere

  • Opening the 2026 Season with exhilarating flair, Shostakovich’s daring Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings takes centre stage in a whirlwind of classical fanfare, jazz-hall swagger and streetwise energy. Led by charismatic pianist Vatche Jambazian, the ensemble is joined on stage by special guest David Elton (Principal Trumpet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra).

    Traversing the full spectrum of human experience, from tenderness to tumult, this performance also features Gerald Finzi’s lyrical Clarinet Concerto, a twentieth-century masterpiece of tender beauty, alongside Jessie Montgomery’s radiant Starburst, a constellation of sound where genres collide.

    In a continuation of a dynamic creative partnership, Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth unveils A Turning Sky, a new double concerto for clarinet and trumpet written for David Rowden and long-time collaborator David Elton, bringing two solo voices into dazzling interplay and energy.

  • David Elton solo trumpet

    Vatche Jambazian solo piano

    David Rowden solo clarinet

    Omega Ensemble

Performances

Date Time Location Venue Tickets
Thu 12 Feb 2026 7:00 PM Sydney City Recital Hall Book Now Multi-tickets
Fri 13 Feb 2026 7:00 PM Newcastle Newcastle City Hall Book Now Multi-tickets
Wed 18 Feb 2026 7:00 PM Melbourne Melbourne Recital Centre Book Now Multi-tickets

Performances

Event Guide

Whether you’re to our performances or trying classical music for the first time, we hope you’ll join us.

  • What should I wear?

    A classical music performance is a special occasion, and some audiences prefer to dress up when attending our events. However, formal attire is not expected and most opt for a smart casual look. Overall, dress comfortably and true to your personal style.

    Arriving late

    We encourage you to arrive at least 15 mins ahead of the advertised start time as some performances include a lock-out.

    If you arrive late you will be permitted entry in an appropriate gap in the performance, however, you may be seated in alternative seating to avoid delaying or disrupting the performance.

    On arrival, please see the venue staff for assistance.

    Running times

    The approximate duration of each performance is listed on our website, however exact performance times may vary from the information advertised at time of booking.

    Please consider the approximate nature of durations when making post-concert plans.

    Seating

    Seating arrangements and pricing reserves differ between each venue, including allocated seating and general admission performances.

    For reserved seating, please check your ticket before taking your seat.

    For performances with general admission, seating is allocated on arrival, and we encourage you to arrive early to choose your preferred seats.

    Health and Safety

    The health and safety of our audience, performers and team is our first priority.

    All performances will be presented in accordance with the latest Government advice and updated or additional policies which will be communicated in pre-concert information.

  • Can I take photos?

    Yes! We encourage you to share your concert experience. However, to avoid unintended disruption to the performance the best time to take a photo is during applause. Commercial photography, as well as video or audio recording is not permitted.

    When should I clap?

    This is a common question, especially for those attending a classical music performance for the first time.

    Many classical music works are made up of sections called ‘movements’ and musicians may pause in between each (but not always). It is tradition to hold your applause until after the final movement. If you're unsure when to clap, simply wait until the musicians take a bow.

    Phones and distractions

    Due to the acoustic nature of our performances, any noise you make can often be heard by those around you and sometimes by the performers on stage. Your phone's illuminated screen can also cause distractions in a dark concert hall.

    We encourage you to make the most of the live concert experience by leaving your phone in your pocket and on silent while the musicians are performing.

  • We believe everyone should have the opportunity to attend and enjoy our performances.

    We work closely with performance venues who share our commitment to increased access, inclusivity and continued improvement. Most venues list details such as wheelchair accessibility, hearing loops and parking on their venue information.

    However, some venues, including heritage or non-traditional performance spaces, may have limitations.

    If you or someone attending with you has additional access or seating needs, please contact the venue box office prior to booking your tickets or attending a performance.

    If you require further advice, please get in touch at contact@omegaensemble.com.au

    Companion cards

    A companion card enables an extra ticket at no additional cost for those assisting a person with a disability. To book tickets to a performance with a companion card, please call the venue box office directly. Proof of eligibility may be required.

  • Concessions and Under 30s

    When booking or collecting Concession or Under 30s tickets, you may be required to provide proof of eligibility, such as a government issued senior or pensioner card, drivers licence or proof of age card.

    Concession tickets are available for means-tested Government issued concession card holders, including age pension, disability support pension and seniors healthcare card holders.

    Seating reserves

    For venues with separate seating reserves, you will be able to purchase your tickets from a seating map.

    Receiving tickets

    You will receive a confirmation upon completing your purchase. To avoid ticket scalping, many venues now delay sending tickets until closer to the individual performance date. Unless you have selected another delivery method, you should receive your tickets by email at least 48 hours prior to a performance.

    Please consider using digital tickets to help us reduce the environmental impact of our events.

    Ticketing policy

    We abide by the Live Performance Australia (LPA) Ticketing Code of Practice. Where tickets are sold through a venue box office or authorised ticketing agent, purchases may also be also subject to additional conditions of sale. Please visit our website to read the full ticketing policy.

    Ticket refunds and exchanges

    In accordance with the ticketing code of practice, all ticket purchases are final and no refunds can be made after purchase unless an event is cancelled, rescheduled or in exceptional circumstances.

    If you are no longer able to attend a performance, you may transfer your tickets to another performance within the same year at no charge. Please note, ticket transfers may be limited to performances within the same venue and subject to ticket availability.

    Including a donation with your tickets

    When booking through an external venue box office, you may be asked to include a donation with your ticket purchase. Please be aware that these donations do not support Omega Ensemble.

    If you would like to support the ensemble, kindly consider making a separate donation on our website after purchasing your tickets.

    Booking and credit card fees

    Additional booking and credit card processing fees may apply and will be displayed at the final stage of checkout. These fees may differ between different venue box offices or ticketing agents.

  • If you have any questions or need help booking, please send us an email at
    contact@omegaensmble.com.au