Omega Ensemble - American Masters

American composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich changed the face of contemporary music with their revolutionary works built on simple harmony and hypnotic repetition. Where initial audiences were baffled, this music is now recognised for its textural richness and the expansion of classical forms.

Schooled in this American tradition (including working as Glass’ assistant) composer Nico Muhly’s work ranges even more widely, incorporating stylistic fragments from Byrd to Webern, as well as his film work and collaborations with contemporary musicians such as Björk, Sufjan Stevens and Bryce Dessner. This program features a world premiere work by Muhly for Omega Ensemble, with a setting of a tenderly erotic poem by Constantine Cavafy.

* Supported by Mark Wakely in loving memory of Steven Alward