Biography
“Rubiks thrilled the crowd, showcasing searingly-precise ensemble skills and instrumental control…. A formidable contribution to Australia’s growing community of contemporary music makers”
— Partial Durations
Gemma Kneale - cello | Tamara Kohler - flutes | Kaylie Melville - percussion | Jacob Abela - keyboards
Photo Credit: WILK
Rubiks is one of Melbourne’s most dynamic contemporary art music ensembles, bringing together Australia’s most exciting and versatile young performers. Since debuting in 2015, the ensemble has been hailed as “a formidable contribution to Australia’s growing community of contemporary music makers” (Partial Durations) and commended for “incredibly personal, strangely spiritual and ultimately deeply touching” performances (Limelight Magazine). With a particular interest in storytelling and cross-art collaboration, Rubiks has quickly established a reputation for excellence, delighting audiences with their unique programming and dazzling virtuosity.
Rubiks is particularly driven by a commitment to showcase the work of the artistic pioneers of our time. The ensemble has collaborated with Australian and international artists including Marcus Fjellström (SE), Amy Zhang (US), Bec Plexus (NL), Ashis Sengupta (IN), Kinds of Kings (US), Short Black Opera (AU), Samuel Smith (AU) and Invenio Singers (AU).
Rubiks’ international appearances have included performances in Germany, England, the Netherlands and at the closing events for the 2018-19 Australia Fest in India. Rubiks regularly presents at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Tempo Rubato in Melbourne, alongside national touring, featuring at the Dots+Loops NONSTOP Festival (Brisbane), Canberra International Music Festival, and Extended Play (Sydney).
In 2021 Rubiks was awarded the inaugural Percy Grainger Award from the Melbourne Recital Centre, recognising their commitment to the commissioning and performance of Australian new music and celebrating their 2019 Pythia Commission with Australian composer Bianca Gannon.
In 2023, Rubiks presented the much-anticipated world premiere season of ‘A Book of Hours’ at Dancehouse Melbourne – a multidisciplinary collaboration between composer Kate Neal, media artist Sal Cooper and choreographer/dancer Gerard Van Dyck.