The 2025 festival will be held from the 23rd until 26th of October 2024.
Howard Penny • Chris Howlett • Anna Tilbook • Benjamin Baker • Kate Suthers • Ashlyn Tymms
Sara MacIiver • Thomas Chawner • Tobias Breider • Laurence Matheson
It’s that time of year again, and the wait is over: we’re delighted to announce our 2025 SEMF artists and program! Since his last visit to SEMF, Ben Baker has gone on to clock up some extraordinary concert appearances and recordings – and become a father! His superlative artistry will be complemented by the welcome return of Kate Suthers, so violin magic is guaranteed. Our patrons who also attend the Bendigo festival will recall audience favourite mezzo Ashlyn Tymms, who will join Sara this year, and to celebrate this in style we’ve secured the participation of the queen of Lied collaborators in London at the moment, pianist Anna Tilbrook!
Formidable young pianist Laurence Matheson is no longer an insider’s top pick, but firmly established as a highly sought-after chamber musician. And our festival favourite viola duo of Tobi and Tom round out this year’s lineup – happy days! On the program front, discoveries galore: we showcase the stunning string quintet by Ethel Smyth alongside works by Nadia Boulanger, Amy Beach and Rebecca Clarke, as well as a trio by Fibich and a piano quartet by Novák which will add infectious Bohemian flair. Our singer dream team is ever-present with delights from Pergolesi to Bellini, and Inside the Music is dedicated to a highly original 17th century pan-European, Georg Muffat.
Together with our other amazing essential artists – Mark, Jodi, and the Hunter family; Ms Batterhams – we will all celebrate the festival in the incredible acoustics and ambience of the newly redesigned barrel room: looking forward hugely to seeing you all there!
Howard and Chris
To view the 2025 program please click here