Join Us for a Musical Feast at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival

Music Focus featuring Friday 6 June and Saturday 7 June

There will be melodies to melt the winter chill at the 20^th Woodend Winter Arts Festival. From festival favourites to international acts, homegrown talent to a special family friendly performance, there truly is something for everyone at this year’s event.

Learn more about the incredible performances happening over the first two days of the event and explore our complete four-day program now, including our thought-provoking Words & Ideas events. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast. 

Musical bridges: Italy to Ireland

Opening Night sets the tone for a big weekend. Italy meets Ireland in this cross-cultural concert by Arparla. Davide Monti (violin) and Maria Christina Cleary (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

An evening of unforgettable jazz

Melbourne’s late-night jazz lands in Woodend. Chris Johnstone and Mat Jodrell bring the soul, backed by Ben Hanlon on bass and Danny Fischer on drums. Expect classic standards, original gems from Mat’s albums Grateful and Insurgent, and the kind of chemistry only top-tier jazz can deliver. Whether you're a jazz devotee or just chasing a soulful night out, this one's not to be missed.

 When: Friday 6 June at 8.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Trio Phantasies 

Trio Anima Mundi makes its Woodend Winter Arts Festival debut with an exploration of Trio Phantasies. Acclaimed internationally for its Piano Trio Archaeology – unearthing and rediscovering ‘forgotten’ works of yesteryear – the group offers a captivating program which juxtaposes two youthful ‘fantasies’ alongside a timeless classic from the piano trio repertoire. Featuring Kenji Fujimura (piano), Rochelle Ughetti (violin) and Noella Yan (cello).

When: Saturday 7 June at 12pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

Ode on St Cecilia’s Day

Experience the grandeur of Purcell’s Ode to St Cecilia, a powerful tribute to music itself. Performed by festival favourites Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia, directed by John O’Donnell. Accompanied by soloists Elspeth Bawden, Christopher Roache, Christopher Watson & Jeremy Kleeman.

When: Saturday 7 June at 2.30pm & Sunday 8 June at 7.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend 

Handel Concertos

Let the sounds of Handel wash over you in a stirring program led by Accademia Arcadia. Featuring harp, organ and orchestral magic led by Davide Monti, with soloists Maria Christina Cleary (harp) and John O’Donnell (organ).

When: Saturday 7th June at 7.30pm & Sunday 8th June 2.30pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

De Fez a Jerez

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

That wraps up everything you need to know for Friday and Saturday — stay tuned next week when we unveil all the details for Sunday and Monday!

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.