“World New Music Days’ resident musicians Ensemble Offspring took over with chamber music from Canada, Denmark, France and the Antipodes. The first work, Bruce Crossman’s Not Broken Bruised Reed, quickly established just how good these musicians are. The performers played not just efficiently but with real style and charisma, making newborn works all their own.”
Harriet Cunningham, Sydney Morning Herald (ISCM World New Music Days)
“This uncompromising program of bracing modern music was the perfect way to clean out the ears. The players of Ensemble Offspring were equal to the daunting task of performing Talea by Gerard Grisey.”
Stephen Wittington, The Adelaide Advertiser (13 Colours, Soundscapes Festival)
“Their mastery of extended techniques and deep experience of this repertoire left the audience gasping.”
Daniela Kaleva, Resonate Magazine (13 Colours, Soundscapes Festival)
“The first major highlight for me sat left of centre for this mostly electronic festival. It was a contemporary classical offering. This was a ‘classic’ Ensemble Offspring type of program: at its core a key work from the avant-garde canon (in this case Kontakte), alongside new compositions for the group and the work of a guest collaborator (Pimmon).”
“They are to be lauded for revitalising this music for a newer generation, the group’s sell-out concert at the Sydney Opera House the night before evidence of a hunger for such bold and meaty programming.”