This Easter, the Megalong Valley will come alive with the sounds of chamber music as the inaugural Megalong Music Festival makes its debut. Set against the dramatic escarpments of Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains, the festival runs from April 18 to 20 and offers an intimate and joyful musical experience for locals and visitors alike.
Bringing together acclaimed Australian and international artists, the festival is the brainchild of Artistic Director Asmira Woodward-Page, a celebrated violinist and chamber musician whose career has taken her from Carnegie Hall to collaborations with some of the world’s leading orchestras and ensembles. With a passion for nurturing young talent, Asmira has designed the festival to not only deliver exceptional performances, but also create opportunities for the next generation of musicians through the MMF Fellows Program.
The program brings emerging string and piano players from across the country to the Megalong Valley, where they rehearse, perform and learn alongside seasoned professionals. These young artists will share the stage with an impressive lineup of guest musicians including violinist Kristian Winther, pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute, double bassist David Campbell, violist Lisa Grosman, and cellist Timothy Nankervis—all of whom bring extensive experience from orchestras and festivals around the world.
Performances will be held at the Megalong Community Hall, a charming venue nestled among farmland and forest. Over three days, audiences can expect everything from dance-inspired pieces to newly commissioned works, as well as music by composers like Debussy, Piazzolla, Haydn, Shostakovich and Fanny Mendelssohn. Concerts are scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday at sunset, and a final farewell performance on Sunday morning.
For those wanting to make a day of it, picnic boxes catered by local favourite Lot 101 will be available alongside ticket purchases. More than just a concert series, the Megalong Music Festival is a celebration of creativity, mentorship and place—bringing people together through the shared joy of music, in one of the most beautiful pockets of the Blue Mountains.
Tickets are available via Humanitix, and more information can be found at https://www.megalongmusicfestival.com.au.
Image credit: © Megalong Music Festival / Gabriel Hutcheon
