Issuu

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate our 10th Anniversary season with a selection of concerts and events that bring you some of your favourite programs from the past 10 years, alongside exciting new works that will see us flying into a bright future. Ensemble Q was formed out of love - for each other, for performing chamber music with the best of the best, and most importantly, for making music with people whose company we love. The same principle guides our relationship with our audiences. We welcome you wholeheartedly into the Ensemble Q family, and our mission is to give you the best possible concert experience.

This year features our much-loved Sundays by the Lake series, an expansion of our consistently sold-out Whiskey Bar events, and concerts in Sydney and Melbourne as part of our National Concert Season. Our popular immersive one-day festival, Step Inside the Music, returns, alongside two special events. We're launching two exciting commissioning projects - one bringing together composers from Australia and New Zealand, and another mentoring six young composers in the creation of a new collaborative work. We're also introducing a new Masterclass Series, another important step in our decade-long commitment to excellence in performance and education. We've been invited to perform our popular septet program and undertake a week-long teaching residency at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore in January. In August, we'll tour New Zealand with eight performances in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand. And in May, we'll return to the prestigious UKARIA Cultural Centre series. Ten years is quite an achievement, and we're enormously proud of what we've accomplished. We've received multiple five-star reviews, released two albums, and had our major concert series broadcast and featured on ABC Classic. We've been national and regional touring artists for Musica Viva, Company in Residence at QPAC, and Ensemble in Residence at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. We've performed at the George Town Festival in Penang, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and numerous regional festivals across Australia. We survived COVID, embraced change and grew into one of Australia's most respected and active chamber ensembles. None of this would have been possible without our loyal and wonderful donor family, particularly Philip Bacon AO and the Frazer Family Foundation, whose extraordinary generosity has been fundamental to our success. We warmly thank The University of Queensland School of Music, ABC Classic and the Queensland Government, which supports Ensemble Q through Arts Queensland.

And to every audience member, fan, supporter and member of our extended Ensemble Q family - thank you for entrusting us with your time and your chamber music experience. Without you, we are nothing. Happy Anniversary to everyone who has followed us on our journey, whether it's been for 10 days or 10 years. Trish & Paul Dean Co-Artistic Directors

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

24 - 29 08

MASTERCLASS SERIES Roger Benedict

WHISKEY BAR Roger Benedict & Friends

APRIL

MAY

MASTERCLASS SERIES Helena Rathbone

WHISKEY BAR Helena Rathbone & Friends

SINGAPORE YONG SIEW TOH CONSERVATORY RESIDENCY & PERFORMANCE Septet

UKARIA CULTURAL CENTRE, SA with Ed le Brocq

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE WONDER

MARCH

29 07 4

SPECIAL EVENT ONE SCHUBERT QUINTET Celebrating 10 years with old friends

MASTERCLASS SERIES Andrew Haveron

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE RAPTURE

STEP INSIDE THE MUSIC Sandgate Town Hall

JUNE

SPECIAL EVENT TWO Chilled out

AUGUST

8-9

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

MASTERCLASS SERIES Joshua Batty

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE ECHOES

NATIONAL SEASON THE TROUT Sydney & Melbourne

NOVEMBER

JULY

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE CURRENTS

14 - 25

WHISKEY BAR Joshua Batty & Friends

WHISKEY BAR Goldberg Variations

CHAMBER MUSIC NEW ZEALAND TOUR 14 Waiheke Island 15 Waikanae 17 Whanganui 19 Rotorua 21 Whangārei 22 Warkworth 23 Wānaka 25 Cromwell

2027

CALENDAR 5

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Ensemble Q’s line-up presents some of the most

important musical influencers and top flight players in Australia. Their presence on QPAC’s concert hall stage made an impact even before a note was heard which prompted an expectation of superior performance. The expectation was fulfilled." Limelight, May 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Ensemble Q did not simply play music; they opened

a window directly into the human spirit, demonstrating not only breathtaking technical mastery but also a rare ability to tell profound stories through sound. An unmissable event." What's the Show, Sydney July 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Their rendition was flawless. The program

transported, surprised and inspired the lucky recipients present with an extraordinary display of the power of storytelling through music." Sydney Arts Guide, July 2026

Hailed as "Australia's top echelon of musicians" by Limelight magazine amidst a swathe of 5-star reviews, Ensemble Q Australia has established itself as one of Australia's leading ensembles and cultural ambassador for Queensland. They have held coveted positions as National Touring Artists for Musica Viva (2022 and 2024) as well as regional touring artists for the same, Ensemble in Residence for Queensland Conservatorium and Company in Residence with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. They have appeared as a featured ensemble at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Queensland Music Festival, Brisbane Festival, Bellingen Music Festival, George Town Festival (Penang) and Brisbane Music Festival. Directed by partners Trish Dean and Paul Dean, Ensemble Q Australia was formed in 2017 and through its touring and recording activities for ABC Classic has established a strong national presence. They perform regularly at Ukaria Cultural Centre in South Australia and in 2026 launched their national season with performances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre. 2027 brings international touring to Singapore and New Zealand and appearances at Ukaria Cultural Centre, ACO on the Pier and Melbourne Recital Centre. The ensemble is anything from a duo to a 15-piece ensemble of string quintet, wind quintet, piano, trumpet, harp and percussion, enabling a vast range of programming and touring possibilities.

"Excellent in every way." Classic Melbourne, August 2026

2027 ARTISTS Adam Chalabi, Anne Horton - violins Roger Benedict, Benjamin Roskams - violas Trish Dean - cello Phoebe Russell - bass Joshua Batty - flute Huw Jones - oboe Paul Dean - clarinet David Mitchell - bassoon Nicholas Mooney - horn Daniel de Borah - piano Andrew Haveron, Helena Rathbone, Tobias Breider - special guest artists Daniel Fossi, Operations Manager | Amira Ryan, Production Assistant Gavin Rebetzke, photographer | David Spearritt, video & sound 7

Sundays by the Lake

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE

World-class artistry. Accessible by design. At Ensemble Q, artistic excellence is never negotiable. Through our valued partnership with The University of Queensland, we're able to direct our resources towards what matters most - exceptional musicians, inspiring repertoire and unforgettable performances. The result is an outstanding chamber music experience at a price that reflects our commitment to making great music accessible. And with a complimentary post-concert wine reception included, every performance is an invitation to experience something truly special. 8

Sundays by the lake series

7 MARCH

9 MAY

18 JULY

31 OCTOBER

RAPTURE

WONDER

CURRENTS

ECHOES

7 MARCH - Sundays by the lake series RAPTURE We open the season with two phenomenal chamber works. Two composers, two extraordinary musical worlds, and the exhilarating experience of being completely swept away. Prokofiev’s brilliantly theatrical Quintet is a world of sharp wit, unexpected twists and irresistible rhythmic energy. Originally conceived for a ballet, its unusual combination of instruments creates a kaleidoscope of colour and character, with music that can turn from playful to unsettling in a heartbeat. Brahms takes us somewhere entirely different. His magnificent A major Piano Quartet unfolds with warmth, generosity and breathtaking lyricism, its intimate conversations growing into moments of sweeping passion and exuberant joy. Separated by generations and musical language, these two masterpieces share an irresistible vitality. Expect dazzling virtuosity, moments of breathtaking beauty and the sheer exhilaration of hearing great musicians completely immersed in music they love.

PROGRAM Sergei Prokofiev Quintet Johannes Brahms Piano Quartet No 2 in A major VENUE 3pm Sunday 7 March BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, The University of Queensland

10 MAY - Sundays by the lake series MOZART FOR MUMS Not just for Mums, but this is certainly going to be a special way to spend the afternoon on Mother's Day! In a very special performance designed to capture hearts, Ensemble Q Australia is joined by much loved ABC Classic presenter and writer Ed le Brocq in a program featuring the inimitable clarinetist Paul Dean in one of the pieces that have made people swoon worldwide, the Mozart Clarinet Quintet. We also welcome another special guest - the distinguished violist Roger Benedict - soloist, conductor and former Principal viola with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Our 2026 Composer in Residence Anne Cawrse has been commissioned by Ensemble Q to create a work to go alongside Ed le Brocq's beautiful story about the power of music in Afghanistan "Sonam and the Silence", and then Ed will narrate one of our favourite works, a collaboration between Calvin Bowman and his dear friend, the late Michael Leunig - Curly Pyjama Letters. It's more of a work for renaissance string quartet and poet and will delight all who hear it. Pair all of that with a little Puccini, Webern and a glass of free champagne and a few special treats for the mums, and you have a very, very special afternoon to look forward to.

PROGRAM Webern Langsammer Satz Anne Cawrse/Ed le Brocq Sonam & the Silence Puccini Crisantemi Bowman/Leunig Curly Pyjama Letters Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A major K.581

VENUE 3pm Sunday 10 May (Mother's Day) BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, University of Queensland *This program will also tour to Rockhampton, Townsville, Mackay, Sydney, Melbourne, Dandenong, Toowoomba and Gold Coast from July 14 - August 9.

9 MAY - Sundays by the lake series WONDER There is something magical about hearing the world through a child's imagination, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and anything seems possible. Schumann's beloved Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), reimagined for seven musicians by Trish Dean, opens a window onto a world of innocence, tenderness and half-remembered dreams. Thomas Adès takes us further into the imagination with his mesmerising Les Barricades Mystérieuses, while Paul Dean's Undertoad explores the darker, more mysterious corners of childhood, where wonder and unease can exist side by side. And then comes Berwald's glorious Septet, bursting with invention, unexpected turns and irrepressible good humour. Full of playful surprises and delightful musical conversations, it's a work that reminds us that curiosity and the joy of discovery are not just for children. There's something wonderfully liberating about seeing the world through a child's eyes. Perhaps the greatest magic of this program is discovering that we never really have to grow out of it.

PROGRAM Robert Schumann Kinderszenen, arr Trish Dean Thomas Adès Les Barricades Mystérieuses Paul Dean Undertoad Franz Berwald Grand Septet in B flat major VENUE 3pm Sunday 9 May BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, The University of Queensland

23 AUGUST - Sundays by the lake series BARTÓK & BRAHMS Béla Bartók’s Contrasts lights the fuse: a virtuosic trio for clarinet, violin and piano that draws on Hungarian and Romanian folk impulses - raw, playful and rhythmically unpredictable. Margaret Sutherland’s Nocturne shifts the lens inward, its quiet shimmer and suspended lines revealing a composer of striking subtlety, portrayed exquisitely by violinist Adam Chalabi.

Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C minor Op. 60, is an emotionally charged and deeply romantic work whose sombre beauty and soaring lyricism echo his lifelong, unspoken love for Clara Schumann. Featuring Ensemble Q Australia musicians at their peak - Daniel de Borah (piano), Paul Dean (clarinet), Adam Chalabi (violin) and Germany-based violist Benjamin Roskams - this is chamber music at full tilt. PROGRAM Béla Bartók Contrasts Margaret Sutherland Nocturne Johannnes Brahms Piano Quartet No 3 in C minor, Opus 60 VENUES 7pm Friday 21 August SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Utzon Room 7pm Saturday 22 August MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE Primrose Potter Salon 3pm Sunday 23 August BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, University of Queensland

18 JULY - Sundays by the lake series CURRENTS Music has a remarkable way of crossing boundaries, carrying ideas, stories and emotions between people, places and generations. Bottesini opens with a sparkling display of virtuosity, bringing the clarinet and double bass together in an unlikely but irresistible partnership. Sibelius offers a fleeting moment of enchantment with Water Droplets, a miniature for violin and cello that captures the delicate play of water in just a few exquisite notes. At the heart of the program is Across the Ditch, a new collaborative work bringing together six Australian and New Zealand composers - Dame Gillian Whitehead, Nathaniel Otley, Ben Hoadley (NZ) with Maria Grenfell, Nicole Murphy and Matt Laing (AUS). Each contributes a musical voice to a shared journey across the Tasman, celebrating the connections, contrasts and creative currents that flow between our two countries. And finally, Schubert's beloved Trout Quintet, inspired by his song about a fish darting through a sparkling stream. Overflowing with warmth, invention and effortless charm, it is chamber music at its most joyful. From the smallest ripple to the broadest musical horizons, Currents celebrates the extraordinary ways music connects us. PROGRAM Giovanni Bottesini Duetto for clarinet and double bass Jean Sibelius Water Droplets for violin and cello Across the Ditch A new collaborative work by six Australian and New Zealand composers Franz Schubert Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, The Trout VENUE 3pm Sunday 18 July BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, The University of Queensland 15

1 NOVEMBER - Sundays by the lake series SCHUBERT OCTET Schubert’s Octet in F major, D.803 (1824) is one of his most substantial chamber works and a landmark in the genre. It was written at the request of clarinettist Ferdinand Troyer, who admired Beethoven’s Septet and asked Schubert for something in a similar spirit. Schubert responded by expanding the forces to eight players and stretching the scale to symphonic proportions. The result is chamber music that feels orchestral in scope: six movements, broad melodic canvases and radiant writing for each instrument. The Octet stands at a pivotal point in Schubert’s life, composed alongside works such as the Death and the Maiden Quartet and the Arpeggione Sonata. Its lyricism, long spans of harmonic adventure and frequent shadows of melancholy reveal a composer consciously shaping form to suit his expressive needs. While rooted in convivial Viennese tradition, the Octet looks forward to the Romantic era in its emotional weight and architectural ambition. It remains one of the great pillars of the chamber repertoire - expansive, humane and unfailingly generous in spirit.

Paired with Baelo, the brilliant sand-dune-inspired septet that we commissioned composer Melody Eötvös to write for us. This is a program not to be missed. PROGRAM Melody Eötvös Baelo Franz Schubert Octet in F major, D.803 VENUE 3pm Sunday 1 November BRISBANE - GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building, University of Queensland

“They have carved out a niche market - an audience that responds well to the abstruse, the quirky, and the excellent.” Weekend Notes

31 October - Sundays by the lake ECHOES Music is a conversation across centuries, with ideas passed from one composer to another, transformed by time, imagination and the irresistible urge to create something new.

Weber's magnificent Clarinet Quintet opens with all the elegance and exuberance of early Romanticism. The clarinet takes centre stage, soaring above the strings in music filled with operatic flair, “A chamber ensemble of the highest standard” tenderness and dazzling virtuosity.

Australian Stage

Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte takes inspiration from a Haydn string quartet, finding unexpected beauty in the spaces between musical phrases. Familiar harmonies bend and shift, leading us into a sound world that feels at once ancient and entirely new. Ravel's exquisite String Quartet brings these musical echoes into brilliant focus. Drawing on the traditions of the past while creating a language unmistakably his own, Ravel weaves shimmering colours, intricate textures and breathtaking beauty into one of chamber music's most treasured masterpieces. Composers have always listened to the voices of those who came before them, sometimes borrowing, sometimes challenging, and sometimes creating something entirely unexpected. Echoes is a reminder that great music is never really finished speaking.

PROGRAM Maurice Ravel String Quartet in F major Caroline Shaw Entr'acte for string quartet Carl Maria von Weber Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op. 34 WHEELCHAIR AND DISABILITY ACCESS: Is available at all performances. If you use a wheelchair VENUE or require assistance due to mobility difficulties, please call 136 246 to book accessible seating or Sunday 31 October email info@qtix.com.au3pm to enquire. SEATING: For all concerts is in numbered, seatsAdvanced in the Concert Hall in reverse mode. BRISBANE - GHDreserved Auditorium, Engineering Building, Tickets are subject to availability. All sales are final. No refunds will be made. Please check tickets The University of Queensland on receipt. 17

SUNDAYS BY THE LAKE SERIES INFORMATION Ensemble Q Australia is proud to partner with the University of Queensland for their third season in the stunning GHD Auditorium of the Advanced Engineering Building. The multi award winning environmentally conscious building is situated overlooking the recently refurbished lake, allowing audience members to enjoy the performance with the stunning natural backdrop adorning the huge stage windows. Deliciously air conditioned with disability access and comfortable seats, the Advanced Engineering Building provides an exciting extension to the Ensemble Q Australia venues that bring world class music to the people and provide a pleasurable concert experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. All at an affordable price, thanks to the generous support of The School of Music at The University of Queensland. Plenty of free Sunday afternoon parking is available on level 3 of the Conifer Knoll parking station on Thynne Rd. If you're catching a bus, access is an easy stroll across the lakes from the UQ Lakes bus terminal and of course uber and taxis can drop you at the door at the end of Jocks Rd. Address: GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building (49) Jocks Rd, St Lucia

Each concert will run for approximately 70 minutes with no interval.

Ticket holders are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, bubbles or sparkling water at the post concert reception. TICKETS General admission $75 Concession $60 Under 30s $30 Student $20

PURCHASE A FOUR CONCERT PACKAGE AND SAVE 20% Tickets can only be purchased online ensembleqaustralia.com (no door sales) 18

Seating is unallocated, if you need any assistance please see the door staff on arrival. Wheelchair seats are available and companion cards are accepted.

One day festival

Step Inside SATURDAY 29 MAY SANDGATE TOWN HALL

Supported by the Frazer Family Foundation 20

A FULL DAY IMMERSIVE EVENT featuring THREE MAGICAL PERFORMANCES

the Music " From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was not going to be a traditional concert. Instead of sitting at a distance from the performers, we were placed right amongst the musicians, close enough to feel every vibration and truly experience the music from inside the ensemble itself. It created such a personal connection to the performances and made the whole day unforgettable." JF 21

Step Inside the Music | Saturday 29 MaY, 2027 | Sandgate Town Hall 11.30am Sitting in the Symphony

A sublime program of works including Mozart's Symphony No 40 directed by Sydney Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster, Andrew Haveron Presented in orchestral seating format

1.30pm Opus No. Zoo

3.30pm Goldfinch & Florence

Fly high with the birds in this fun and feathery program of Respighi, Scarlatti, Ligeti, Berio, Dean and Bonshek..

Vivaldi's Goldfinch is performed by the esteemed flautist Joshua Batty, a new work by six of our most talented young composers, then an all-star cast led by SSO Concertmaster Andrew Haveron in a fantastic festival-concluding performance of Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence.

Presented in the round

2027 is all about the

birds 22

2027 Featured artists Andrew Haveron, violin Anne Horton, violin Roger Benedict, viola Trish Dean, cello Phoebe Russell, bass Joshua Batty, flute Huw Jones, oboe Paul Dean, clarinet David Mitchell, bassoon Nick Mooney, horn with Rory Smith, cello Musicians and composers from The University of Queensland Mini Q

PRICING Step Inside the Music is designed to be experienced as a one-day event with three concerts running from 11.30am - 4.30pm. Full day tickets only will be available, however if not sold out prior, some limited release individual concert tickets may become available in May. Full day pass $139 adult/$109 concession/$39 student Please see our website for more details and ticketing. Supported by the Frazer Family Foundation

FEBRUARY - NOVEMBER 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Whiskey Bar Series 24

Harking back to the days of the speakeasy bars, this gem of a venue is the setting for four very special, intimate Ensemble Q Australia concerts in 2027.

Enter the room through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe and dissolve yourself in an evening of good company and incredible music played just for you by some of the finest musicians in Australia. Bring friends or make new ones, everyone is welcome. Our Whiskey Bar Series has become one of Ensemble Q's fastest selling events, with many concerts selling out before everyone has had the opportunity to book. In 2027 we're keeping everything you love about the series - just 40 guests, exceptional chamber music, and the intimacy of the Whiskey Bar - but adding a second performance each evening.

THE WHISKEY BAR SERIES

Choose 5.30pm or 7.30pm, enjoy dinner after or before the performance.

Tickets General $95 Concession $85 Venue: Mrs J Rabbits, upstairs at Electric Avenue, 23 Logan Road, Woolloongabba. Time: Tuesday evenings, 5.30pm and 7.30pm

TICKETS ENSEMBLEQAUSTRALIA.COM 25

ROGER BENEDICT & FRIENDS FEBRUARY

Sydney based, UK born soloist, principal violist, conductor and pedagogue, Roger Benedict is a recent addition to Ensemble Q and quickly became a much loved member of the group. For this program we celebrate Beethoven's 200th anniversary with a glorious handpicked program by Roger.

HELENA RATHBONE & FRIENDS APRIL

After their rip roaring Kodaly duo in 2026, ACO superstar Helena Rathbone and Trish Dean have become firm friends and duo partners and are planning another incredible night for violin & cello duo, with a friend or two to make it even more special.

JOSHUA BATTY & FRIENDS

SEPTEMBER

Joshua Batty is a phenomenal solo flautist, formerly principal flute with the Sydney Symphony and now touring the world regularly. And keen as mustard to join Ensemble Q. We're delighted to shine the spotlight on him at the Whiskey Bar, in a special program of his choice.

THE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS NOVEMBER

02 YOU ASKED. WE LISTENED.

Adam Chalabi, Benjamin Roskams and Trish Dean join for this masterpiece by Bach, arranged for string trio by Sitkovetsky. The last time we performed this we were told it was a "life-changing moment" by not just one audience member. Now is your moment.

Two performances each night. Two magic moments, each unique to our shared experience. Choose 5.30pm and dine afterwards. Choose 7.30pm and dine before.

SHARING THE PRIVILEGE

With just 40 seats available at each performance, we are unable to maintain a waitlist and tickets cannot be refunded if you're unable to attend. But if your plans change, we'd love you to let us know. We'll happily pass your seat on to a tertiary music student, giving a young musician the opportunity to experience something truly special. A little kindness, passed on to the next generation. Disability access - unfortunately there is no disability access at this venue, with our sincerest apologies.

Special event 1

The Schube

7pm Thursday 29 April Loyal Hope of the valley 50 Morgan St, Fortitude Valley

All tickets $189 ensembleqaustralia.com Ticket price includes a selection of quality wines, beers, Prosecco and alcohol free drinks throughout the evening. 28

ert Quintet Some of Ensemble Q's favourite artists return to perform a very special work that's been on the Ensemble Q audience request list for a while...... The Schubert String Quintet

This will be a special evening, in the luxuriously historic surrounds of the Loyal Hope of the Valley Lodge in Fortitude Valley.

Expect low light, drinks in hand, an air of celebration and a breathtaking performance by some of the most admired musicians in Australia. Sydney Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Andrew Haveron leads the quintet in this one and only, truly special performance.

Dress up a little. Feel the occasion.

Special event 2

On the road.. 7.30pm tuesday 22 jUNE Salt Bar Hamilton 14/6 hercules St, Hamilton

All tickets $70 ensembleqaustralia.com

Relax on comfortable lounges, grab a cocktail, beer or wine and listen to what happens when musicians inspire each other. Featuring guest artists, accordionist Nerida Farmer and Ed le Brocq on cello and voice with Paul Dean, Phoebe Russell and Trish Dean Anything can happen. You just need to be there.

Chilled Out 31

ROGER BENEDICT

HELENA RATHBONE

Roger Benedict is an extraordinary BritishAustralian violist and educator. Former Principal Viola of London's Philharmonia Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, he has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, with several acclaimed recordings to his name. Currently Associate Professor and Head of Viola at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Roger is widely respected for his inspiring teaching and dedication to nurturing emerging musicians.

Helena Rathbone has been Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra since joining the ensemble in 1995. Trained at London's Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she has performed with leading ensembles including the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. A passionate chamber musician, Helena regularly appears as soloist and guest leader with the ACO and is deeply committed to nurturing young musicians through its Emerging Artist program and her leadership of ACO Collective.

7pm Monday 8 February

7pm Monday 12 April

Masterclass Series

Ensemble Q is proud to present a brand new series of four public masterclasses by some of our extraordinary visiting artists. Witness a handpicked selection of Queensland's most talented students being guided by masters of their instrument, live in the beautiful Studio 4 at Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. Entry is free but by registration only, please see our website Supported by David Siddle, Christa Critchley, Charmaine Lawton, the Frazer Family Foundation and the Thomas Dixon Centre.

ANDREW HAVERON

JOSHUA BATTY

7pm Thursday May 27

7pm Monday 20 September

Andrew Haveron is an internationally acclaimed violinist and Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since 2013. Former Concertmaster of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra, he was also first violinist of the renowned Brodsky Quartet for over a decade. A distinguished soloist and chamber musician, Andrew has performed with leading orchestras and artists worldwide, recorded extensively and received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate for his services to music.

Internationally renowned flautist Joshua Batty is former Principal Flute of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Ireland’s RTÉ Concert Orchestra. A graduate of London's Royal Academy of Music, he has performed as guest principal with over 30 leading orchestras worldwide and appeared internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Passionate about expanding the flute repertoire, Joshua is commissioning major new works and is a dedicated educator, presenting masterclasses and courses throughout Australia and internationally. 33

COMMISSIONING PROJECT

Across the Ditch Commissioned by Dr Susan Urqhuart and Dr Philip Aitken

In 2027 Ensemble Q embarks on a major commissioning project that will see the creation of a unifying new work that will be performed by Ensemble Q in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Waiheke, Waikanae, Whanganui, Rotorua, Whangārei, Warkworth, Wānaka and Cromwell in New Zealand. The work will be composed by six composers from Australia and New Zealand and will be inspired by the history, connection, tales and the natural environment between Australia and New Zealand. The composers are: Dame Gillian Whitehead, NZ Maria Grenfell, Aus Ben Hoadley, NZ/Aus Matt Laing, Aus Nathaniel Otley, NZ Nicole Murphy, Aus The composers will join forces in a series of online creative conversations about topics that stir their souls when thinking about the ditch between us. Then each composer will create a movement that will be brought together as a suite by Ensemble Q directors Trish & Paul Dean. The work is scored for violin, cello, clarinet and piano and will be performed in July and August in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and in 8 performances on the Chamber Music New Zealand national tour - 14 - 25 August.

Ensemble Q Artists ADAM CHALABI, violin Adam Chalabi is currently Head of Violin at the Australian National Academy of Music after being Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Queensland and the Concertmaster of Orchestra Victoria. He has held positions as principal in Zürich Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Bern and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and more recently as Guest Concertmaster of Symphonieorchester Vorarlberg in Austria and Suedwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim in Germany. He has recorded numerous acclaimed CDs for the Decca, ABC Classics and Capriccio labels. He plays an 1805 Joseph Panormo violin. ANNE HORTON, violin Anne Horton is an acclaimed violinist who rose to prominence with the Tankstream Quartet (later the Australian String Quartet), winning major international competitions in Cremona and Osaka. She has performed across Europe, the UK, and the US, and appeared on leading international broadcasters. Anne holds performance degrees from the Australian Institute of Music and studied chamber music in Cologne. A passionate educator and chamber musician, she is an Artistic Associate with Camerata, core member of Ensemble Q, and performs regularly with QSO and Ensemble Trivium.

BENJAMIN ROSKAMS, viola A graduate of Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall, Benjamin lives in Germany and is in demand as both violinist and violist in Europe and the UK. He has appeared as guest principal viola with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and as guest concertmaster with Sinfoniorchester Aachen and Sinfoniorchester Wuppertal. A regular at international chamber music festivals, he has performed at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Stift International Chamber Music Festival (Netherlands), Oxford May Music Festival, and Highgate International Chamber Music Festival (London). Benjamin collects fine violin bows and performs on a Joseph ‘filius Andrea’ Guarneri c.1720.

Co-Artistic Directors Trish & Paul Dean CEO, Marketing & Design Trish Dean Operations Manager Daniel Fossi Marketing and Production Co-ordinator Amira Ryan Photography Gavin Rebetzke Recording & Video David Spearritt Front of House team Naomi Mendelow and Bridget Wegner ensembleqaustralia.com

ROGER BENEDICT, viola Roger has enjoyed an internationally acclaimed career as a soloist, chamber musician, conductor and educator. Formerly Principal Viola of London's Philharmonia Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with major orchestras in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and performed at London's Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and major international festivals. His extensive discography includes several acclaimed recordings for Melba and ABC Classics, including the ARIA-nominated Debussy – Ravel with pianist Simon Tedeschi. A regular guest conductor with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Roger was Artistic Director of its prestigious Fellowship Program for nearly 20 years. He is currently Associate Professor, Chief Conductor and Head of Viola at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. TRISH DEAN, CEO, Co-Artistic Director and cello Trish has performed as concerto soloist with several Australian orchestras, as guest artist with the Australian String Quartet and the Navarra Quartet (UK) and as soloist and chamber musician at national and international festivals in the UK, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, Malaysia and across Australia. She has toured extensively as a recitalist and recorded for ABC Classics, 2MBS Records and more. Previously a Principal with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, Trish has performed as Guest Principal with the Adelaide, Queensland and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, and is a current member of the Australian World Orchestra.

PHOEBE RUSSELL, double bass A graduate of Berlin Philharmonic’s Karajan Academy, Phoebe Russell has performed in more than 20 countries across the globe with some of the world’s leading orchestras. The last few years have seen her perform with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester, the Netherlands Philharmonic and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, among others. She has been Principal Bass with the QSO since 2017 and is a member of the Australian World Orchestra. She joined Ensemble Q in 2018 and performed the APRA award winning Paul Dean Double Bass Concerto with the QSO in 2023.

JOSHUA BATTY, flute Joshua is an internationally acclaimed flautist who has performed as guest Principal Flute with more than 30 leading orchestras worldwide and appeared as soloist in major concert halls across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Formerly Principal Flute of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Ireland's RTÉ Concert Orchestra, he studied at London's Royal Academy of Music and Switzerland's HEMGE, and has performed with some of the world's leading conductors and musicians. A passionate champion of new music, Joshua is commissioning major works by composers including Nigel Westlake and Harry Sdraulig, with his debut solo album scheduled for release in 2027. He is also a dedicated educator, presenting masterclasses and specialist flute courses throughout Australia and internationally. HUW JONES, oboe Huw Jones is Principal Oboe of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and has performed with all major Australian and New Zealand symphony orchestras, as well as the Australian World Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and London’s Royal College of Music, he is also a respected educator, teaching at the University of Queensland and Queensland Conservatorium. A passionate chamber musician, Huw performs regularly with Ensemble Q and the Australia Ensemble, and is former Director of Music at St Philip’s, Sydney.

PAUL DEAN, Co-Artistic Director and clarinet Clarinetist Paul Dean is widely regarded as one of Australia's foremost musicians in his multiple capacities as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, composer and Artistic Director. Formerly Artistic Director of Australian National Academy of Music and Professor at Queensland Conservatorium, he is currently the Kinnane Professor of Music at the University of Queensland. He has performed as soloist with most major Australian orchestras, the Auckland Symphony and the Trondheim Symfoniorkester. He was principal clarinet for the QSO, founder of Southern Cross Soloists and Bangalow Music Festival and is a member of the Australian World Orchestra.

DAVID MITCHELL, bassoon David Mitchell is the Associate Principal Bassoon in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Before joining QSO in 2009, he was Solo Bassoon in the Hofer Symphoniker, Germany, for five years. Additionally, David has been guest bassoonist with Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Leipziger Kammerorchester, Georgian Chamber Orchestra Ingolstadt, Staatstheater am Gaertnerplatz Munich, Neue Philharmonie Westfalen and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a founding member of Ensemble Q. NICHOLAS MOONEY, horn Nicholas Mooney is the Section Principal Horn of the QSO. Before moving back to Australia, Nicholas held the position of Principal horn of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra in Bruges and performed as guest principal horn with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Nicholas maintains these relationships to this day and has recently performed as guest principal horn with the London Symphony Orchestra on successful tours of Europe and Australia under Sir Simon Rattle, and the Philharmonia orchestra through Europe under Santtu-Mathias Rouvali. DANIEL DE BORAH, piano A founding member of Ensemble Q, Daniel has enjoyed collaborations with leading soloists at all of the major Australian festivals. Since his prize-winning appearances at the 2004 Sydney International Piano Competition, Daniel has given recitals on four continents and toured extensively throughout the UK and Australia. As concerto soloist he has appeared with the English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, ACO, and the Sydney, Queensland, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland Symphony Orchestras. He currently holds an Associate Professor position at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Education Ensemble Q's educational contribution across the past 10 years has made a huge

impact

chamber placements in major performances. That's 70 students who got to play chamber music with the best musicians in Australia - paid, making connections and learning bucketloads.

426

side by side placements in 13 training orchestra projects ANAM placement program for Creation of

ANAM artists

Mini Q Quartet and Winds

Workshops for in Queensland

339

instrumental students

Plus schools concerts and workshops across regional Queensland, NSW and Victoria 40

Australian works 68

Ensemble Q has championed Australian works alongside traditional masterpieces of the chamber repertoire and performed the WORLD PREMIERES of composers:

works by the following

Melody Eötvös Catherine Likhuta Paul Dean Harry Sdraulig William Barton Maria Grenfell Anne Cawrse Nicole Murphy Matt Laing Bernardo Alviz Jack Lundie Jenkins Andrew Batt-Rawden Angela Zhang Alice Chance Hilary Kleinig John Rotar Curtis Morgan Caterina Micola Von Furstenrecht Felicity Handreck Chelsea Bode Myella Jago Taylee Jurekie-Rofe Robert Smallwood Trish Dean (Arr.) 41

EDUCATION PROGRAM

10 years of educational collaborations include: Australian chamber orchestra Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) Opera Queensland Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program Brisbane Festival Queensland Music Festival SCHOOL OF MUSIC, University of Queensland Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University 4MBS Classic FM Queensland Youth Orchestras Four Winds Bermagui Musica viva Queensland Music Trails Opera at Jimbour PIMLICO STATE HIGH SCHOOL CENTENARY HEIGHTS STATE SCHOOL BuNJIL ARTS CENTRE, VIC mackay chamber music festival

Flagship education program - Mini Q Proudly supported by Nancy Underhill and Joel Underhill

"Getting to work with Ensemble Q has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. The environment of each rehearsal was filled to the brim with such a high level of detail and musical clarity, which by the end of every rehearsal left me teeming with excitement to continue to hone my craft. The opportunity to rehearse with Ensemble Q was one thing, but the experience to perform with them creates this incredible shared feeling of getting to make music with people that are not only so advanced and experienced at their craft, but also able to sincerely let the audience and fellow performers into the world of sound so organic and raw. After playing with such inspiring musicians and people, I have learnt so much about what it means to make music, and how and most importantly why we all love music, helping me to keep growing as a musician and as a person." Felix Hughes Chivers, viola Now - 1st year ANAM Finalist, ANAM Concerto Competition

"I’ve been a rabid fan of Ensemble Q since its inception; a regular awestruck face in the

audience of their concerts. Their ensemble line-up presents many of the absolute finest chamber musicians from around Australia, and I was consistently left inspired and invigorated by their world-class performances. Perhaps the biggest thing I’ve gained from being mentored by Ensemble Q is learning what it’s like to be in a professional chamber ensemble, which is a career path that has always enticed me. Observing how they conduct rehearsals, how they interact (with a healthy balance of seriousness and banter), and how they arrive at musical decisions have all been enlightening. Also, I’ve gained so much simply from working with the world-class musicians of the ensemble. As you might imagine, you learn a thing or two when you have the concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on your right and its principal violist on your left! I’ve learnt not only from watching their physical playing, but also from witnessing their incredible musicianship." Johnny van Gend, violin Now - Principal First Violin, Queensland Symphony Orchestra

"Ensemble Q was such an inspiring and memorable experience for me, especially during the 2018 performance of Gruber’s Frankenstein!! where I was sitting next to Andrew Haveron, who is the SSO concertmaster. I remember feeling really inspired by working with musicians at such high professional level and getting a little glimpse into what being a professional musician could be like when I was still a young aspiring musician.

I also remember playing Ravel’s Introduction et Allegro with Harry Bennetts, which I really loved. It’s quite funny and special now that I’m working with the Opera Orchestra in Sydney and see both Andrew and Harry backstage all the time as both orchestras are based at the opera house. They went from being mentors I really looked up to through Ensemble Q to people I now get to see and work alongside, and I’m really grateful for that connection. Looking back, I think those experiences definitely played a part in inspiring me to pursue this career." Fiona Qiu, violin Winner Kendall National Violin Competition ACO Emerging Artist Mahler Chamber Orchestra Academy

Lifechanging mentorships

"The projects in which I participated with Ensemble Q as a young artist are among some of my fondest musical memories. To be treated as an equal amongst such high calibre musicians was a truly affirming experience and gave me confidence to continue pursuing this career." Drew Gilchrist, clarinet Ensemble Modern Academy Masters - Hochschule für Musik Freiburg Now - Clarinet position, Harzer Sinfoniker, Germany

"I’m incredibly grateful to Ensemble Q, and especially to Trish and Paul Dean, for all the opportunities to make wonderful music together. Their support and encouragement have meant so much to me, and are things I’ll carry with me for a long time and overseas. Most of all, the rehearsals, performances and spending time with these incredible musicians has deepened my love for chamber music, and I feel very lucky to have been part of it." Angelina Kim, viola Now - Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Germany

"The rehearsals, the performance, the repertoire and above all the people were all truly wonderful and made my experience one I will treasure for many years to come. There are precious few opportunities for emerging professionals to make contacts, play in wonderful venues and work with other leading artists in this country, and Ensemble Q fills that incredibly important void." David Shaw, flute Now - Executive Director, Orange Regional Conservatorium

The Ensemble Q Mentorship program is supported by the Frazer Family Foundation

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2024

2025

2017

2021 SEASON

2022

DEEP BLUE QPAC and Ensemble Q present

dive to The depths of the ocean with Ensemble Q performing george Crumb, PAUL DEAN & Henri Chausson

Sunday 30 April 2023 QPAC ConCERT HALL book qpac.com.au or 136 246

ENSEMBLE Q AUSTRALIA PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS Ensemble Q Australia Inc. acknowledges and thanks the following brilliant partners:

Ensemble Q Australia is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

We warmly thank our key donors who help us present our programs and enrich the cultural platform of Australia Major artists Philip Bacon AO Professor Ian Frazer AC and Caroline Frazer Dr Philip Aitken and Dr Susan Urqhuart Maestros Dr Sheena Burnell Robert & Christine Dagworthy Professor Paul Dean Di Haskell and Ken Robinson Andrew Johnston Helen Mair David Siddle and Christa Critchley Charmaine Lawton Nancy Underhill and Joel Underhill Mark Wakely Soloists Ruth Bereson Dinah Blunt Vicki Brooke

(soloists, continued)

Kathleen Clifford Nigel and Siân Hall Brisbane Forum Inc Joan & Barry Miskin Jennette Johnstone Gavin Rebetzke Marilyn Richardson Ensemble Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench and Professor Nick Martin Alan Wilson Len & Wendy McPherson Robyn Evans Joan and Barry Miskin Margaret Gibbs Denise Wadley Robert Boughen (in memory of Christina Boughen) Sheena Boughen & Bill Caldicott

Ensemble Q Australia Inc is a non-profit company listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations and can receive tax deductible donations to assist our operational expenses. ABN 66494650123 50

PRODUCTION CREDITS Co-Artistic Directors Paul Dean & Trish Dean CEO Trish Dean Operations Manager Daniel Fossi Marketing and Production Coordinator Amira Ryan Front of House Team Naomi Mendelow, Bridget Wegner Operations Assistant Cameron Fuller Concert Photography Gavin Rebetzke Concert video & sound David Spearritt Film Raw Mint - Tnee Dyer Brochure, web design & art photography Trish Dean Print eprint 2026 Management committee Paul Dean Gavin Rebetzke Daniel de Borah Jacqui Somerville Alan Wilson Ensemble Q Australia Inc migrates to a Governance Board in 2027

info@ensembleqaustralia.com www.ensembleqaustralia.com

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we meet, work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present - people who have sung their songs, danced their dances and told their stories on these lands for thousands of generations, and who continue to do so. 51

ensembleqaustralia.com