Paco Lara Flamenco Duo, Fiore Chamber Vocal Ensemble, Paul Grabowsky and the Nat Bartsch Quartet all to perform at this year’s festival.

7-10 June 2024

From the captivating sounds of the Spanish guitar to a powerful performance by one of Australia’s finest-ever jazz musicians, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is set to deliver a 4-day feast of incredible music from around the world. 

Keep reading below to discover some of the world-class musicians who will be performing in Woodend this June.  

Paco Lara Flamenco Duo

Be transported to Southern Spain and captivated by the sound of Paco Lara’s guitar, with guest Spanish flamenco dancer Deya Miranda Giner. Embodying the unmistakable Jerez style of flamenco guitar playing, Paco Lara presents flamenco guitar in all its authenticity, culture, and artistry. Expect impressive articulation with musical elegance and imagination.

Interpretations of themes from his latest album Duende and his famous Andalusian Guitar show, including some of the greatest guitar classics of all time will be performed by Lara with the characteristic and unmistakable sound (“toque”) of Jerez (Spain).

When: Friday 7 June at 7:30pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Across the Channel: Fiore Chamber Vocal Ensemble

Step into a world of classical enchantment with Fiore. Across the Channel promotes renowned composers from the UK and France, and some of the timeless choral compositions that form their legacy.

Fiore Chamber is a newly formed choral quartet featuring four of Melbourne’s biggest choir obsessives: soprano – Monika Harris, countertenor – Alex Ritter, tenor – Anish Nair, and baritone – Lachlan McDonald. Expect a captivating performance with rich expression and incredible detail, coupled with seemingly effortless teamwork that is a testimony to lifelong friendship.

When: Saturday 8 June at 12pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

Paul Grabowsky: Solo Piano

Paul Grabowsky is one of Australia’s finest-ever jazz musicians. Much of this powerful performance will be taken from his album ‘Solo’ featuring all the hallmarks that have made him one of the world’s foremost jazz instrumentalists and composers. This is jazz for the connoisseur: rich, engaging, full of allusion and wit.

It is difficult to describe Paul Grabowsky’s career easily. He has been a director of some of Australia’s most prominent arts festivals, the composer of nearly thirty feature film scores, and several works of music theatre, the founder and leader for nineteen years of the Australian Art Orchestra, an executive at the ABC, and currently heads up Monash University Performing Arts Centres.

When: Saturday 8 June at 6:00pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Hope Renewed: Nat Bartsch Quartet

Pianist and composer Nat Bartsch presents Hope Renewed: a jazz/post rock reinterpretation of her ARIA-nominated classical album Hope. This reinterpretation brings the work to life with her jazz quartet, classical musicians and live ambient electronic effects. Featuring Robbie Melville (guitar), Tamara Murphy (double bass) and Maddison Carter (drums).

When: Monday 10 June at 2pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Discover Woodend

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival takes in place in the charming village of Woodend. Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Woodend is a lively and welcoming village, which has successfully maintained its small country town charm over the years. The historic main street is lined with cosy cafés, boutique stores and country pubs, while Mount Macedon provides a stunning backdrop. 

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.