The Ironbark Ensemble formed after the lockdown here in Sydney in 2020. Comprising of musicians who are renowned on their respective instruments as soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians, they each share a passion to further explore musical boundaries together.

Reed Quintets are relatively new chambers groups in comparison to other ensembles such as string quartet and wind quintet having only emerged in the last 40 years. But during this time there has been a wealth of repertoire developed for this medium (both arrangements and original works).

Ironbark is keen to showcase these wonderful works in concerts and demonstrate the unique and wonderful sounds that a reed quintet can make. Come and join us for the official launch of the Ironbark Ensemble!

PROGRAM:

Libertango (1974) by Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992) arr. Christopher Rueda

Le Tombeau de Couperin (1914-1917) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) arr. Raaf Hekkema

Prélude (Vif) Fugue (Allegro moderato) Forlane (Allegretto) Rigaudon (Assez vif) Menuet (Allegro moderato) Toccata (Vif) Excerpts from Splinter by Marc Mellits (1966)

An American in Paris (1928) by George Gershwin (1898-1937)

Ironbark Ensemble: Edward Wang (oboe), Rowena Watts (clarinet), Nathan Henshaw (saxophone), Greg Taylor (bassoon), Alex McCracken (bass clarinet)