Bright minds, acclaimed musicians and a festival favourite to kick off the 2023 Woodend Winter Arts Festival.

Friday 9 June - Monday 12 June

Have you booked your tickets yet? It’s less than two months to go until some of Australia’s leading classical musicians, alongside some of the country’s greatest literary minds, descend on the charming village of Woodend for four action-packed days.

The program features a world-class showcase of vibrant, traditional and thought-provoking events. Read below about the amazing events taking place on opening night, Friday 9 June and check out the full program online now.

Opening Event Words & Ideas

Alan Finkel introduces his new book Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain

Join former Australian chief scientist, Alan Finkel, as he shares his compelling insights and expertise from his new book, Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain, and as he discusses how Australia can lead the way in the global transition to clean energy.

When: 4:30pm-5:30pm on Friday 9 June, 2023
Where: St Ambrose Parish Hall, Templeton Street, Woodend
Tickets: Early bird tickets available now, priced from $17 to $25.50

Opening Night Music: Gershwin & More

Simon Tedeschi with special guest, George Washingmachine

One of Australia's best-loved classical musicians, the extraordinary concert pianist Simon Tedeschi is teaming up with jazz vocalist and violinist, George Washingmachine in what promises to be an uplifting and lively performance, featuring Gershwin favourites and classic jazz standards by Cole Porter, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller and more.

When: 7:30pm-8:30pm on Friday 9 June
Where: St Ambrose Parish Hall, Templeton Street, Woodend
Tickets: Early bird tickets available now, priced from $40 to $50

Opening Night Fireworks with Synchronised Music

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival will kick off with a vibrant display of fireworks. A regular fixture on the WWAF Program, this year’s promises to be bigger and better than ever before with free musical performances for all to enjoy. Japanese drumming group Taikokoro will wow the crowd with their drumming skills before the Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrub Choir takes to the stage. The event will then culminate with the fireworks, which for the first time this year will be synchronised to popular classical music.

When: 5:00pm-7:00pm on Friday 9 June
Where: Buffalo Stadium, Forest Street, Woodend
Tickets: Entry is free

FESTIVAL PASS

For a limited time, you can buy a Festival Pass for $160 and choose from four of WWAF’s music events. Get in quick, a Festival Pass must be purchased before 21 May.