“ … every track benefits from Omordia’s sparkling technique, rhythmic panache and deep sympathy with music that brings fresh air, a smile and sunshine into our lives, whatever the state of play in the world outside.” THE TIMES
The second volume of Rebeca Omordia’s 'African Pianism’ proves as much of a revelation as the first...Omordia’s shapely and nuanced interpretation makes a compelling case for the music. Gramophone
This album begins with a cry of joy. It’s Chopin with a hint of the blues, bursting into a groove...There are a good number of premiere recordings on offer here, as well as consistently illuminating playing by Rebeca Omordia, who is at the forefront of bringing this piano repertoire to a wider audience. BBC Music Magazine
“Volta Fantasy, otherwise free-flowing and melodic, is enhanced by a percussive undertone. This idea is taken further by Christian Onyeji, who transfers Nigerian drumming patterns to the piano; Omordia effectively turns the instrument into a piece of tuned percussion.” Claire Jackson, BBC Music Magazine
“one cannot escape a sense of gratitude to Omordia, whose musical curiosity and imagination, bolstered by an admirably versatile technique, bring us a bounty of largely unfamiliar yet richly rewarding music” Patrick Rucker, GRAMOPHONE
“[Omordia] her commitment to this repertoire is palpable in her rhythmic control, her suave sense of melodic line, and her timbral sensitivity. Fine sound, and excellent notes by Robert Matthew-Walker. All around, a first-rate release.” Fanfare Magazine
“This brilliantly curated and executed programme from the Nigerian-Romanian pianist is a real ear-opener, featuring works by seven African composers and encompassing a dazzling range of styles and pianistic techniques along the way. Christian Onyeji's Igbo Dance (translating traditional drumming techniques onto the keyboard) stands out.” Katherine Cooper, Presto Music
“Skilfully compiled and beautifully performed by Rebeca Omordia, Ekele places a welcome spotlight on contemporary piano works by African composers, introducing new audiences to a neglected but vibrant strand of classical music. At the heart of the disc is a selection of Fred Onovwerosuoke’s 24 Studies in African Rhythms…Omordia brings all the warmth and drive of Onovwerosuoke’s score to life, matching his complex textures with marvellously crisp articulation.” BBC Music Magazine
“The disc is a labour of love for Rebecca Omordia, whose father is Nigerian; the results of her research are appealing and pioneering in equal measure.” Guy Rickards, GRAMOPHONE
“Beautifully delivered recital … pieces that preserve an authentic local spirit”. THE SUNDAY TIMES
Order here
Resonus Classics label releases Errollyn Wallen’s Piano Concerto with soloist Rebeca Omordia and BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by John Andrews.
“Every movement offers entertainment, superbly played by soloist Rebeca Omordia”. Rebecca Franks, BBC Music Magazine
“Wallen is an accomplished pianist in her own right, so her writing is beautifully laid out for the instrument. Omordia has its measure, as well as Wallen’s coruscating expressiveness.” GRAMOPHONE
“Performed with huge panache by its dedicatee Rebeca Omordia, Errollyn Wallen’s 2022 Piano Concerto makes for a lively finish, paying homage to Ravel in the opening movement and incorporating elements of blues and Eastern European folk-dance later on.” Katherine Cooper, Presto Music
“Rebeca Omordia … is a polished advocate for the piece” Erica Jeal, The Guardian
Rebeca has been an active promoter of the music of British composer John Ireland. On this disc, she joins British cellist Joseph Spooner on an outstanding performance of John Ireland's Sonata for cello and piano in G minor. The disc also features the world premiere of Eric Fogg's Poem.
“There’s a compelling understanding between the two pianists in their performances together. The opening of the Tallis Fantasia takes my breath away in its version for string orchestra, and does so too in this rapt, quite swift account for two pianos”. International Piano
“Mark Bebbington and Rebeca Omordia finding an unremetting logic that thrill to the marrow” GRAMOPHONE
“In terms of rigour this is writing of absolute mastery; more than that the material is top-notch and full of deeply-felt passion; Bebbington and Omordia do it proud and the end result is enthralling, it is well-presented in terms of background and vividly recorded.” Classical Source
Duo Recording Project for Meridian Records with double bassist Leon Bosch
SINGLES
Signum Records releases the Single ‘Ascensio’ by Julie Cooper composed especially for Rebeca. Listen here
Nonclassical label releases Outside the Lines Vol. 6 Rebeca Omordia and Gabriel Prokofiev - ‘Ufie, Igbo Dance (sound-collage rework)’