Topology (musical ensemble)

Topology is an indie classical quintet from Australia, formed in 1997. A leading Australian new music ensemble, they perform throughout Australia and abroad and have to date released 12 albums, including one with rock/electronica band Full Fathom Five and one with contemporary ensemble Loops. They were formerly the resident ensemble at the University of Western Sydney. The group works with composers including Tim Brady in Canada, Andrew Poppy, Michael Nyman, and Jeremy Peyton Jones in the UK, and Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Carl Stone, and Paul Dresher in the US, as well as many Australian composers.

In 2009, Topology won the Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation award at the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Classical Music Awards for their work on the 2008 Brisbane Powerhouse Series.

Bernard studied viola at the Queensland Conservatorium (B.Mus 1987) and at Michigan State University (Master of Music 1993) with John Graham and Robert Dan. He studied in summer schools with Kim Kashkashian (Aldeborough), the Alban Berg Quartet and the Kronos Quartet. While in the US, he played with the Arlington Quartet, touring the US and UK. He was a violist in the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra from 1994-2000, and is now Associate Principal Violist of the Queensland Orchestra, playing solo parts in works such as the sixth Brandenburg Concerto. He has directed several concerts for the Queensland Philharmonic’s Off the Factory Floor chamber series.

Christa is a busy freelance musician. When she’s not playing with Topology, she plays a wide range of chamber music, her long-held passion (she won the 4MBS Chamber Music Prize for three years running—1989–91). She also plays orchestral music with the Queensland Orchestra, and gigs with bands and teaches contemporary violin techniques at the Queensland University of Technology. Christa studied at the Queensland Conservatorium with Carmel Kaine, obtaining her Master of Music in 1996, and in London with Emanuel Hurwitz of the Melos Ensemble. In London, she played with the Olyver Gypsy ensemble.

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