Celebrate 20 years of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival

We're thrilled to unveil our 2025 program, marking two decades of extraordinary artistic experiences. Join us for a spectacular line-up of world-class performances and engaging discussions that promise to inspire and captivate.

Taking place over the King’s Birthday long weekend (6-9 June 2025), the program will feature leading classical musicians from both Australia and abroad, alongside some of the country’s brightest minds.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Woodend this June.

This year sees the return of international acts to the roster, with an exclusive performance direct from Vienna, with Anne-Harvey-Nagl performing Brahms’ three sonatas for piano and violin, accompanied by John O’Donnell. 

Other highlights include international guests Davide Monti (violin) and Maria Christina Cleary (harp); along with a breathtaking performance from Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and her ensemble Seffarine, who will bring to life the vibrant musical heritage of the Straits of Gibraltar, paired with flamenco dance.

Attendees can also enjoy an evening of unforgettable jazz with Chris Johnstone (guitar) & the Mat Jodrell Quartet; Trio Phantasies from Trio Anima Mundi; Spanish guitar with Ken Murray; a stirring solo piano performance from Berta Brozgul; and two incredible performances from 8 Cellos. 

There will also be performances from festival favourites such as Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia, along with an enchanting and family friendly performance of Cinderella by Inventi Ensemble. In the spirit of good old-fashioned country hospitality, we’ll have some special local treats to give away to some lucky attendees – thanks to the generosity of local Woodend businesses. 

WORDS & IDEAS

The Words & Ideas program will yet again deliver a series of fascinating and engaging discussion. In celebration of 250 years since the birth of the great Jane Austen, attendees can experience Jane Austen’s world through the eyes of her family. Jane Austen’s fifth great niece, Caroline Jane Knight, will share memories of growing up at Chawton House on the ancestral estate where Jane lived, wrote, and published her most celebrated novels.

Other must-attend talks include art consultant Christopher Menz, who will discuss the works of one of the greatest pattern designers of all time, William Morris. We will also hear from literary greats such as Rodney Hall and Margaret Simons; political historian Judith Brett; leading scientist Dietmar Toubier; and local garden designer Michael McCoy.

THEATRE AND FILM

This year’s engaging program is rounded off with both theatre and film, with two absurdist plays from award-winning author and publisher, Peter Rose, along with a screening of The Great White Whale by Michael Dillon.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.