Composed as a homage to both clarinettist Benny Goodman and violinist Joseph Sizgeti, Bartok’s Contrasts for violin, clarinet and piano is strongly influenced by Hungarian and Rumanian folk tunes and is a delightful journey for the listener. Tchaikovsky’s monumental and lush Piano Trio is a tribute to Arthur Rubinstein, with the inscription “A la memoire d’un Grand artiste”. Australia's composer of the moment Paul Dean’s new work (also to be titled Homage) is being created for the 2023 season and scored for clarinet, violin, cello and piano.
With a core artist list of some of the finest musicians in Australia, Ensemble Q is directed by Co-Artistic Directors cellist Trish Dean and clarinetist Paul Dean. Born in 2017 out of a desire to create an ensemble with the finesse of the greatest ensembles in the world and the excitement of a festival collaboration, Ensemble Q has earned an enviable reputation for brilliant programming and the highest performance standard. This group of now proudly Brisbane based friends hail from Concertmaster and Principal seats in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, soloists and chamber musicians on the national touring network, and leading faculty at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Ensemble Q is an Ensemble in Residence at both the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Ensemble Q have been selected as national touring artists for Musica Viva Australia, and appear at festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Queensland Music Festival. They are regular artists for ABC Classic and 4MBS Classic FM. Comprising string quintet, wind quintet, piano and percussion, Ensemble Q's repertoire possibilities are endless and range from the most exquisite solos right through to full chamber symphonies.
The touring programs for 2023 comprise works for violin, clarinet, cello and piano and features violinist Natsuko Yoshimoto, clarinettist Paul Dean, cellist Trish Dean and pianist Daniel de Borah.