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

Music Focus featuring Sunday 8 June and Monday 9 June

Let the music carry you through the final days of the long weekend at the 20th Woodend Winter Arts Festival. From soaring chamber works to intimate recitals and family-friendly performances, Sunday and Monday offer a rich musical program to warm the heart and stir the soul. We’ve even scheduled repeat performances of some of our most popular events, so you don’t have to miss a thing.

This newsletter is all about the music — explore the concerts taking place on these final two days and start planning your perfect festival experience. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast. 

Spanish Connections

Performed by Ken Murray, "Spanish Connections" showcases the diverse influences on the Spanish guitar over the past century. Featuring works by Sanz, Scarlatti, de Falla, Goss, and Barrios, this program highlights the evolution of guitar music, from Baroque inspirations to modern compositions, concluding with Falla’s vibrant "Farruca" from The Three-Cornered Hat.

When: Sunday 8 June at 12pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, 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

Variations on a theme: works by Brahms, Mozart, Chopin & Scriabin

This magical performance from Berta Brozgul will feature solo piano masterpieces by Mozart, Chopin, Scriabin, and Brahms. From the moody chromaticism of Mozart’s A-minor Rondo to Chopin’s exalted Ballade no. 4, Scriabin’s Sonata no. 4, and Brahms’ dazzling Variations and Fugue on a theme of Handel, it’s a spectacular musical journey.

When: Sunday 8 June at 4pm
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 

Cinderella

Step into a magical realm where Prokofiev’s “Cinderella” dances with new life at this enchanting, family friendly performance. Let Inventi Ensemble sweep you off your feet, weaving together the timeless tale with Sally Whitwell’s captivating composition. Like Cinderella’s transformation at the stroke of midnight, experience a symphonic metamorphosis that transports you through every twist and turn of the story.

When: Monday 9 June at 11:30am
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

8 Cellos: From Bach to Glass

Experience the mesmerising sound of eight cellos in perfect harmony. This concert showcases the versatility of the cello ensemble, presenting music in sextet and octet formations. The program includes a diverse range of composers, from Baroque master J.S. Bach to contemporary minimalist Phillip Glass, as well as romantic works by Tchaikovsky and Dvořák.

When: Monday 9 June at 11:30am & 1pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

Brahms, Sonatas for Piano & Violin

Direct from Vienna, violinist Anne Harvey-Nagl joins 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

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.