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  • International acts, an SK7 Grand and an award-winning novelist – all of this and more at the 20th Woodend Winter Arts Festival

International acts, an SK7 Grand and an award-winning novelist – all of this and more at the 20th Woodend Winter Arts Festival

6-9 June, 2025

Only one month to go - tickets selling fast!

KAWAI SPONSORS A STUNNING SK7 GRAND

A grand gesture – literally! We’re thrilled to announce that the Woodend Winter Arts Festival now has the use of a stunning SK7 Kawai grand piano, thanks to the generous donation from KAWAI and the brilliant Stewart Kelly's House of Pianos.

This world-class instrument will bring even more depth and beauty to our performances – you can hear this stunning instrument with Kenji Fujimara and his trio Anima Mundi. Berta Brozgul will use it for her piano recital and John O’Donnell will use it as he accompanies Viennese violinist Anne Harvey-Nagl.

Vortex – by Rodney Hall - shortlisted for book of the year!

“Expansive, generous, intelligent and utterly enthralling.”

The Age

Rodney Hall's latest novel, Vortex, has been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year!

We are thrilled that he will be discussing this literary masterpiece at WWAF. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most celebrated authors. Set in 1954 Brisbane during Queen Elizabeth II's first royal tour, this novel is resonant with contemporary concerns. Hall will be joined by joined by John A Scott, author of eighteen internationally published books, for what will be an enlightening and entertaining discussion.

When: Sunday 8 June at 2.30pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre

INTERNATIONAL ACTS EXCLUSIVE TO WWAF!

De Fez a Jerez | Seffarine Ensemble

Exclusive to the Woodend Winter Arts Festival on their world tour, Lamiae Naki and her ensemble Seffarine will enchant you with a vibrant blend of African, Arabic, and European music. Originating from Fez, Morocco, their performance features flamenco dance, Arabic oud, and Gnawa basslines, all intertwined with Lamiae’s captivating Moroccan Arabic vocals. Celebrate the rich, shared Mediterranean roots in a truly unforgettable show.

When: Saturday 7 June at 8.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Brahms, Sonatas for Piano & Violin

Direct from Vienna, violinist Anne Harvey-Nagl joins local pianist John O’Donnell for an unforgettable performance of Brahms’ three sonatas for piano and violin. Experience the emotional depth and brilliance of these mature works, including the lyrical Opus 78 in G major, the enchanting Opus 100 in A major, and the powerful Opus 108 in D minor. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be swept away by Brahms’ greatest creations.

When: Monday 9 June at 2.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Musical bridges: Italy to Ireland

Italy meets Ireland in this cross-cultural concert by Arparla. Davide Monti (Italy) on the violin and Maria Christina Cleary (Ireland) playing the harp bring stories of musical migration to life. From Naples to Dublin, London to Lucca – this program traces the rich legacy of composers who built bridges between nations, styles and centuries. Exclusive to WWAF.

When: Friday 6 June at 7.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

MAKE A DONATION

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.