3 – 7 February 2021
16 of Australia’s leading artists perform 15 recitals to restart City of Greater Bendigo’s classical music scene.
Co-directors Chris Howlett and Howard Penny, with the City of Greater Bendigo are thrilled to announce the 2021 Bendigo Chamber Music Festival Programme. After a thrilling launch and sold out inaugural festival in 2020, the second festival will celebrate not only the very best Australian classical artists but reopen The Capital Theatre after many dark months.
The festival showcases and welcomes Australian woodwind royalty Thomas Hutchinson (oboe) and David Griffiths (clarinet) plus Opera Australia star soprano Jacqueline Porter with leading pianists Daniel de Borah and Benjamin Martin. Concertmasters Natsuko Yoshimoto and Sophie Rowell lead an esteemed line-up of string players including Matthew Tomkins, Robin Wilson, Chris Moore and Tobias Breider, plus Chris and Howard themselves.
In 2021, the festival continues its passion to showcase the next generation of artists, featuring our ongoing partnership with ANAM (this year the remarkable Rathdowne Quartet), as well as a new partnership with Musica Viva’s Strike a Chord Competition. There will also be 42 educational programmed events throughout the coming months.
Throughout the five days, BCMF will present a huge cross-section of chamber music favourites alongside lesser-known masterpieces – from solo instruments to a sumptuous string orchestras, from Vivaldi to Gershwin, there really is something enticing in every program.
Co-director Chris Howlett says “I cannot wait to join my colleagues on the fabulous stages of Bendigo again and put 2020 behind us one note and phrase at a time. The festival showcases our love of music, education and community spirit, something I hope 2021 will be full of in so many ways. I am also proud that Melbourne Digital Concert Hall can join us and therefore share the wonders of this city and these concerts with the whole of Australia.”
Co-director Howard Penny says “I can’t wait for this enforced sabbatical to be over – BCMF 2021 will be my first chamber music performances since the festival last year! Music is written to be shared, and that extraordinary alchemy between composer, performer and audience, unique to every concert, will have special meaning this year for everyone. Stellar colleagues, inspiring historical ambience, and a rich array of repertoire to be savoured: add our loyal and enthusiastic patrons, and that makes for a magical five days!”
Jacoba Kelly, Acting Manager Bendigo Venues & Events says “After selling out in its inaugural year, BV&E is thrilled to see this high-calibre Chamber Music Festival return to our venues in 2021. One of the last events before COVID closed our venues, it’s certainly fitting that our way back commences with this wonderful festival that will be delivered in a COVID safe way. While numbers are restricted, Bendigo audiences have strongly signalled their support of the festival and desire to return to live performance with excellent ticket sales. We’re looking forward to a great Bendigo Chamber Music Festival in February!”
Location: The Capital Theatre, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Ulumbarra Theatre, Forest Street Unting Church
Program information: www.bendigocmf.com.au
Tickets: Available now
$539 Full Festival Pass
$479 Full Festival Pass
$42/$37 Evening Gala Concerts and $32/$27 Day Concerts
$15 Community Concert
Digital Tickets via Melbourne Digital Concert Hall website
Bookings: Tickets can be purchased by calling the Capital Theatre box office: 03 5454 6100 or online at www.bendigocmf.com.au
