Omega Ensemble was awarded Best Independent Classical Record at the 2026 AIR Awards for Gift: Our Breath of Life, its collaboration with acclaimed musician William Barton.

The project was conceived and created by Omega Ensemble before being brought to Sydney Dance Company and Stephen Page, where it evolved into a powerful collaboration across music and dance.

The award is a significant achievement in a stellar field of Australia’s finest classical musicians. More importantly, it recognises Omega Ensemble’s commitment to championing distinctly Australian work and creating projects that reach beyond traditional chamber music audiences — helping to keep Australian cultural life vibrant, ambitious and connected.