For three decades, Ensemble Offspring has been at the forefront of Australian contemporary music—pioneering, trendsetting, and redefining chamber music. In 2025, the ensemble marks its 30th anniversary with a bold season that celebrates its rich history while looking to the future.

Founded in 1995 as the Spring Ensemble by Sydney Conservatorium student composers Damien Ricketson and Matthew Shlomowitz, the group emerged from the visionary Sydney Spring Festival. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Claire Edwardes OAM since 2006, Ensemble Offspring has become a beacon of artistic risk-taking, blending contemporary classical music with electronics, multimedia, and performance art.

A Season of Bold New Works

To mark this milestone, Ensemble Offspring presents seven thrilling programs, featuring both first-time and retrospective collaborations with some of the world’s most exciting composers, including Brigitta Muntendorf, Tristan Coelho, Laura Bowler, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, and Lisa Illean.

Lumen Machine – A futuristic new music spectacle starring cyborg pianist Zubin Kanga (UK), using motion-sensor rings, synthesizers, and the luminous Lumatone keyboard to create an immersive audio-visual experience. Featuring world premieres by Tristan Coelho, Amanda Cole, Zubin Kanga, and Brigitta Muntendorf.
Sydney: 12 April | Newcastle: 13 April

Divine Darkness – A sonic and visual feast, uniting an international lineup of cutting-edge composers and enhanced by video artistry from Peachey & Mosig. Featuring soprano Jane Sheldon and conductor Jack Symonds, this program delves into shadowy soundscapes and ethereal beauty. Works include premieres by Jane Sheldon, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, David T. Little, and Daniela Terranova.
Sydney: 3 July | Canberra: 4 July

Championing New Voices

A defining feature of Ensemble Offspring is its dedication to marginalised voices, including emerging composers, female-identifying artists, and First Nations Australian composers. This commitment has earned the ensemble multiple accolades, including the 2022 Classical: NEXT Innovation Award, the 2019 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Group Award, and multiple APRA Art Music Luminary Awards.

The ensemble’s Hatched Academy, launched in 2014, continues to foster the next generation of composers and performers, with its alumni making waves nationally and internationally.

Looking Ahead

Other highlights of the EO30 season 2025 include:

• Moonstruck – Featuring the Australian premiere of Pierrot Deconstructed, an international co-commission for voice and ensemble by Laura Bowler.
• Avant Gardens – A series of intimate concerts bringing contemporary music to Sydney’s backyards, featuring Songbirds and Double Symmetry.
• Hatched Future Classics – Showcasing emerging Australian composers.
• Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers – A celebration of new Indigenous chamber music.

WHAT: Ensemble Offspring 30th Anniversary Celebration (2025)

WHERE and WHEN:

• Lumen Machine:
  • Sydney: Saturday 12 April, 7:30pm – The Neilson ACO on The Pier
  • Newcastle: Sunday 13 April, 4:00pm – Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
• Divine Darkness:
  • Sydney: Thursday 3 July, 6:30pm – The Neilson ACO on The Pier
  • Canberra: Friday 4 July, 6:30pm – The Street Theatre

For more information and tickets, visit ensembleoffspring.com