Don’t miss your chance to witness world-class musicians and captivating speakers live on stage in Woodend.

7-10 June 2024

In less than four weeks, over 100 performers and guest speakers will descend on the charming village of Woodend. Over 4-days, they will deliver a feast of incredible music and thought-provoking conversations.

Attendees have plenty to choose from, starting with the spectacle of the opening night fireworks, to captivating performances by incredible artists such as the Fiore Chamber Vocal Ensemble and the ethereal Nat Bartsch Quartet. Adding to the mix is a collection of insightful and engaging discussions from leading luminaries such as geneticist Professor Jenny Graves and authors Gideon Haigh and Andrew Ford. Plus much more!

Free Opening Night Fireworks

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival will kick off with a vibrant display of fireworks at Buffalo Stadium. A regular fixture on the WWAF Program, this year’s promises to be bigger and better than ever before with free musical performances from the Woodend Warblers and students of Braemar College. The event will then culminate with the fireworks, synchronised to popular classical music. A fun night out for all ages, there will also be various food trucks onsite, providing plenty of tasty food options.

When: Friday 7 June, food and entertainment from 5pm, fireworks kick off at 6:30pm
Where: Buffalo Stadium, Woodend
Tickets: Entry is free

Across the Channel: Fiore Chamber Vocal Ensemble

Step into a world of classical enchantment with Fiore. Across the Channel promotes renowned composers from the UK and France, and some of the timeless choral compositions that form their legacy. The concert program features over a century of music, with works by composers Claude Debussy (1862-1918); Francis Poulenc (1899–1963); Frank Bridge (1879–1941); and Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Expect a captivating performance with rich expression and incredible detail.

When: Saturday 8 June at 12pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend
Tickets: $48 adults, $43 concession and $25 children

The Shortest History of Music

The Shortest History of Music is a new book from award-winning composer and broadcaster Andrew Ford. Set to be released this July, it is a lively, authoritative tour through several thousand years of music. Packed with colourful characters and surprising details, it sets out to understand what exactly music is – and why humans are irresistibly drawn to making it. Interviewed by our Festival Director Jacqueline Ogeil, this session is sure to be entertaining and engaging.

When: Saturday 8 June at 5pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Talking My Own Book: Gideon Haigh

Ever fancied publishing your own book? Join respected author and journalist Gideon Haigh as he discusses his embrace of self-publishing. As the author of over 50 books (many of them about cricket), he understands that self-publishing might mean minimum profit, however it also means maximum fun.

When: Sunday 9 June at 1:15pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Sex, Science & Singing

Join evolutionary geneticist and singer Professor Jenny Graves as she is interviewed by ABC Science Show personality Robyn Williams. Expect a fun and engaging discussion that covers Jenny’s career sorting out the genes and chromosomes that determine sex, along with one of her most recent projects – writing and performing a musical composition that tells the story of creation from a scientific point of view.

When: Monday 10 June at 10:00am
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Hope Renewed: Nat Bartsch Quartet

Pianist and composer Nat Bartsch presents Hope Renewed, a jazz/post rock reinterpretation of her ARIA-nominated classical album Hope. This reinterpretation brings the work to life with her jazz quartet, classical musicians and live ambient electronic effects. Featuring Robbie Melville (guitar), Tamara Murphy (double bass) and Maddison Carter (drums).

When: Monday 10 June at 2pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend
Tickets: $48 adults, $43 concession and $25 children

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.