Woodend Winter Arts Festival

Next date: Friday, 05 June 2026 | 07:00 PM to Monday, 08 June 2026 | 03:00 PM

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival returns from 5–8 June 2026, uniting world‑class musicians, performers and thought‑leaders for four days of music, ideas and creativity. Now in its 21st year, the festival offers a rich program spanning classical and contemporary music, jazz, opera, theatre, family events and powerful conversations.

Musical highlights include a reunion between ARIA Award‑winning pianist Tamara‑Anna Cislowska with celebrated composer Elena Kats‑Chernin, traversing the much‑loved catalogue of Kats‑Chernin’s music.

Other musical standouts include internationally acclaimed accordion virtuoso James Crabb in a sweeping recital across five centuries; Affinity Quartet performing Paul Wiancko’s acclaimed LIFT; and the long‑awaited return of Monteverdi’s monumental Vespers of 1610, performed by Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia under John O’Donnell, who also directs Bach’s Musical Offering.

Festival Artistic Director Jacqueline Ogeil spotlights the neglected brilliance of 18th‑century composer Sebastián de Albero in a rare keyboard recital, while families are invited to step into the magical world of 1001 Nights, performed by Inventi Ensemble.

The T-Shirt Opera Company will deliver a playful operatic highlights Opera Unmasked, over dinner at The Victoria Hotel, while Peter’s Rose’s absurdist troupe, The Highly Strung Players will perform three highly amusing short plays.

The festival’s popular Words & Ideas program once again brings some of Australia’s most respected voices to Woodend. Leading social psychologist Hugh Mackay explores community, belonging and kindness; Alan Finkel and Anna Goldsworthy tackle the cultural and ethical implications of AI; David Marr reflects on truth and public discourse; and Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker, shares witty insights on ageing. Families are also invited to a free, joyful session with Maxine Beneba Clarke.

Tickets are on sale now.