Australian Octet - Chamber Masterworks
String quintets, sextets and octets have inspired composers to create some of their most virtuosic and moving music. Possessing both the dynamism of chamber music and the textural possiblities of an orchestra, the repertoire includes quintets by composers including Mozart, Schubert and Brahms; sextets by composers from Tschaikovsky to Korngold; and octets from Mendelssohn to Ross Edwards.
Australian Octet is Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s new flagship chamber ensemble. Unique in Australia’s musical life, the Australian Octet is dedicated to performing music for five to eight strings. We have brought together eight of our country’s most eminent string players to form the Octet, under the leadership of Artistic Director William Hennessy.
Richard Mills Lachrymae, Chorales and Postlude*
Shostakovich Two Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11
Brahms Quintet in F major, Op. 88
Enescu Octet Op. 7
*world premiere season
For Australian Octet’s début season, we present three very different monuments of the chamber repertoire and the first new Australian string octet in 20 years, by Batavia composer Richard Mills.
Half breathtaking virtuosity, half passionate lyricism, Shostakovich’s youthful Octet is all showpiece—the composer himself described it as ‘the very best thing I have written.’ The Brahms Quintet shows a mature composer at the height of his powers, mining the intense vein of emotion and tender feeling that is the hallmark of his works. The program’s finale is a must-hear performance of Romanian composer George Enescu’s haunting Octet, a work of magnetic Romantic beauty and startling originality.
Feedback/Comments
Wonderful performance!
We loved! Great venue great music.
Beautiful, really enjoyed it
breathtaking - Thank you Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. I may have never seen this masterpiece had it not been for your offer through ON THE HOUSE.
Amazing! It's been the first time seeing an event like this and it was fantastic!!
Australia's only Octet and only tow in the world. this was a special concert, made so by the quality of the musicianship and choice of works for the programme. Will be certain to see them at their next performance.
I took my 16 year old daughter to Deakin Edge Fed Square to watch an amazing performance.
Incredible that there are only 2 Octet in the world and we were both fortunate enough to experience an amazing night. My daughter is currently studying grade 5 Violin. At times her mouth was wide open!
Outstanding performance and really proud of the MCO and their beautiful Octet! One of only two in the world!!! Very special evening.
Incrediblly talented musicians playing some sublime pieces of music. The venues acoustics are perfect, making the whole experience extremely enjoyable! A rare treat indeed!
What a pleasurable experience!
Beautiful night! Amazing relationship between the players,
What an outstanding group of musicians. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening, my first Octet experience and blown away by the final piece by Enescu (to conceive such a work at only 19!). This is a "must see" ensemble.
Great performance! Loved it.
Loved every moment!
Amazing there are only 2 Octet in the world
Beautiful location, amazing octet pieces.
Nice
Excellent performance
A truly amazing evening. Enjoyed every minute of it
It was a very enjoyable night!
Amazing night!!