Daniel Thomson and Piers Lane to perform at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival

7-10 June 2024

We are excited to have two incredible performers returning to Australia to perform at WWAF this year. Tenor Daniel Thomson, who grew up in the Macedon Ranges, will return from his London base to perform alongside one of his earliest mentors, John O’Donnell. One of his first ever performances was as a young up-and-coming musician at WWAF in the Festival’s earliest days, he is excited to grace the stage once again, bringing with him almost two decades of experience.

 Pianist Piers Lane also returns from London to perform at the Festival. With a worldwide reputation as an engaging and highly versatile performer, at home equally in solo, chamber and concerto repertoire, Lane has performed with many of the world’s great orchestras. WWAF provides an incredible opportunity to see this world-class musician in an intimate setting.

Discover these events, plus much more by checking out the full program online now. Tickets are on sale and selling fast.

Schubert and the Viennese Masters

Former local Daniel Thomson (tenor) joins Woodend local John O’Donnell (piano), as they explore Schubert Lieder and influences from the earlier Viennese Masters. Schubert is known for his melodic and moving art songs or ‘Lied’ (German for ‘song’). He was influenced by some of the biggest names in classical music today: Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn, who they will feature alongside some other lesser known composers like Salieri or Zumsteeg.   

The Lieder (songs) they will perform are still relevant today, despite being from the early 19th century. With themes like love and love lost, the darkness of winter, the joys of spring and some epic stories of the Elf King (Erlkönig) and the ghost of Una’s love Guglielmo haunting her in the night.

A former student at Sacred Heart School in Kyneton, Daniel Thomson has established himself as a highly sought-after tenor soloist, recitalist and chamber singer. His busy concert schedule sees him performing in at least 12 countries this year – it is therefore incredibly special to have him back performing at WWAF this year.

When: Sunday 9 June at 12pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend
Tickets: $48 adults, $43 concession and $25 children

Fantaisie: Piers Lane, Solo Piano

Returning from his London base to perform at WWAF, Australian pianist Piers Lane has a worldwide reputation as an engaging, searching and highly versatile performer, at home equally in solo, chamber and concerto repertoire.

Piers’ recital is based around one of his favourite composers: Fredéric Chopin. The heart of the program is the F minor Fantaisie, with its dark suffering, its passionate nobility, its flights of fancy and extraordinary range. Mozart and, perhaps surprisingly, the Irishman John Field, were major influences on the Polish Chopin – and the Czech Smetana delightfully did for the polka what Chopin did for the mazurka and the polonaise. A recital blending the much-loved with the less familiar, revealing subtle connections and influences.

When: Sunday 9 June at 4pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend
Tickets: $48 adults, $43 concession and $25 children

Book Signings & Meet the Authors

An exciting addition to this year’s program, we have arranged for a book signing and meeting opportunity with several authors who are taking part in our Words & Ideas program. Listen to them speak, then pop into Woodend Bookshop, buy their book and continue the conversation one-on-one.

• Saturday 8 June, 6.15pm–6.30pm: Andrew Ford

• Sunday 9 June, 11.45am–12.00pm: Peter Doherty

• Monday 10 June, 11.15am–11.30am: Don Watson

• Monday 10 June, 2.15pm–2.30pm: Robyn Williams 

Where: Woodend Bookshop, 104 High Street, Woodend.
Tickets: This is a free event.

The Gallery Mt Macedon

Exhibition and Workshops

You are invited to look, learn and create as you witness artists at work from The Gallery Mt Macedon. Join them at the Woodend Neighbourhood House and discover the quality work of this local arts collective. Learn how members work by watching them demonstrate, then create your own art piece if you wish. Both adults and children will be encouraged to ‘stamp’ their mark on the environment, creating cut-outs of nature and wildlife.

When: Saturday 8, Sunday 9 & Monday 10 June from 10.00am–4.00pm
Where: Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend
Tickets: This is a free event 

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.