About Ensemble Q
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 virtuosic integrity and a dedication to performance of undiscovered masterpieces, Ensemble Q has earned an enviable reputation for brilliant programming and the highest performance standard. The ensemble brings together some of Australia's leading musicians in their fields, with members hailing from Principal seats in the Queensland, Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, soloists and chamber musicians on the national touring network, and leading faculty at Queensland Conservatorium. Ensemble Q performs at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and multiple venues across Australia. From its inception they were Ensemble in Residence at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University before taking up the position of Company in Residence at QPAC from 2022 - 24.
Ensemble Q have been selected as both national and regional touring artists for Musica Viva with a highly successful national Australian tour with didgeridoo artist William Barton in October 2024. They have appeared at festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, George Town Festival (Penang), Brisbane Festival, Bellingen Muse and the Queensland Music Festival. The ensemble has performed regionally in NSW and QLD and several times at the Ukaria Cultural Centre in SA, and in its own boutique concert series in Sydney. They are regular artists for ABC Classic and 4MBS Classic FM and QPAC Digital.
Comprising string quintet, wind quintet, piano and percussion, Ensemble Q's repertoire possibilities are endless and range from the most exquisite solos through to full chamber symphonies. Ensemble Q programs are based on belief in the impact and quality of every work presented, from unknown gems from the past through new works by young Australian composers, to the greatest masterpieces, all presented in convincing and passionate performance at a world class level. The audience experience is paramount in their thoughts and often visual and experiential elements are encased in their performances.
Ensemble Q’s mentorship program has provided significant placements for highly talented young artists to perform alongside Ensemble Q core artists and international guests. They also run an orchestral training program for tertiary students, providing hundreds of professional side-by-side placements in support of companies including the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School, Opera Queensland, The Queensland Choir, 4MBS Festival of Classics and the Queensland Music Festival. They partner with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) in a placement program for gifted students.
Ensemble Q have been selected as both national and regional touring artists for Musica Viva with a highly successful national Australian tour with didgeridoo artist William Barton in October 2024. They have appeared at festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, George Town Festival (Penang), Brisbane Festival, Bellingen Muse and the Queensland Music Festival. The ensemble has performed regionally in NSW and QLD and several times at the Ukaria Cultural Centre in SA, and in its own boutique concert series in Sydney. They are regular artists for ABC Classic and 4MBS Classic FM and QPAC Digital.
Comprising string quintet, wind quintet, piano and percussion, Ensemble Q's repertoire possibilities are endless and range from the most exquisite solos through to full chamber symphonies. Ensemble Q programs are based on belief in the impact and quality of every work presented, from unknown gems from the past through new works by young Australian composers, to the greatest masterpieces, all presented in convincing and passionate performance at a world class level. The audience experience is paramount in their thoughts and often visual and experiential elements are encased in their performances.
Ensemble Q’s mentorship program has provided significant placements for highly talented young artists to perform alongside Ensemble Q core artists and international guests. They also run an orchestral training program for tertiary students, providing hundreds of professional side-by-side placements in support of companies including the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School, Opera Queensland, The Queensland Choir, 4MBS Festival of Classics and the Queensland Music Festival. They partner with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) in a placement program for gifted students.
Ensemble Q is endorsed by ROCO and the ACNC as a non-profit organisation. All donations are tax deductible. ABN 66494650123
Behind the scenes people
Trish Dean, CEO & co-Artistic Director
Paul Dean, co-Artistic Director
Daniel Fossi, concert operations manager
David Spearritt, recording engineer
Phuong Do, digital transcriptions
Trish Dean, photography, website and brochure design
Management committee
Paul Dean, Chair
Gavin Rebetzke, Treasurer
Trish Dean, Secretary
Daniel de Borah, management committee member
Jacqui Somerville, management committee member
Ensemble Q core musicians
Adam Chalabi, violin
Sophie Rowell, violin
Anne Horton, violin
Chris Moore, viola
Benjamin Roskams, viola
Trish Dean, cello
Phoebe Russell, bass
Daniel de Borah, piano
Alison Mitchell, flute
Huw Jones, oboe
Paul Dean, clarinet
David Mitchell, bassoon
Peter Luff, horn
Emily Granger, harp
Jacob Enoka, percussion
Guest artists 2025
Benjamin Appl, baritone
Zöe Black, violin
Oakley Paul, double bass
Behind the scenes people
Trish Dean, CEO & co-Artistic Director
Paul Dean, co-Artistic Director
Daniel Fossi, concert operations manager
David Spearritt, recording engineer
Phuong Do, digital transcriptions
Trish Dean, photography, website and brochure design
Management committee
Paul Dean, Chair
Gavin Rebetzke, Treasurer
Trish Dean, Secretary
Daniel de Borah, management committee member
Jacqui Somerville, management committee member
Ensemble Q core musicians
Adam Chalabi, violin
Sophie Rowell, violin
Anne Horton, violin
Chris Moore, viola
Benjamin Roskams, viola
Trish Dean, cello
Phoebe Russell, bass
Daniel de Borah, piano
Alison Mitchell, flute
Huw Jones, oboe
Paul Dean, clarinet
David Mitchell, bassoon
Peter Luff, horn
Emily Granger, harp
Jacob Enoka, percussion
Guest artists 2025
Benjamin Appl, baritone
Zöe Black, violin
Oakley Paul, double bass