Bendigo Chamber Music Festival | 2025
February 6 – 9, Bendigo, VIC
I am currently sitting in a cafe writing up my notes for this 4 day event and feeling very satisfied that music in the regions is growing. This festival has brought in international performers as well as extraordinary local performers. There seems to be a philosophy of encouragement for vibrant musical life and looking after the audience. This morning and yesterday small bottles of water were handed out to the audience to survive the sweltering days here in Bendigo with temperatures in the high 30’s. That this did not deter people was evident in this morning’s recital by Ignaz where over 300 people attended a piano recital which included the Carl Vine bagatelles. This was the first time I really enjoyed them.
On Saturday the local symphony orchestra will be playing in the middle of the day and the morning includes a masterclass for local musicians. There have been so many enjoyable performances that I urge you to read my (long) review of the festival when it comes out early next week.
It has been an exciting time hearing performers that have such high skills. Highlights thus far for me are the Schubert E flat Major piano trio and the Haydn Piano trio in two separate concerts as well as the Tarlindy Quartet, a very young quartet studying at ANAM performing a Paul Stanhope (Australian Composer) quartet with extended string techniques and the Mendelssohn F minor quartet with great skill, musical drama and integrity.
More to come after the weekend…
