Overview
Join us for five unforgettable days of music at the Canberra International Music Festival which runs from Wednesday 30th April – Sunday 4th May. A remarkable lineup of national and international musicians will grace the stages of the nation’s capital to bring vibrant life to an unmissable 2025 Festival Program. From French pipers to Finnish virtuosi, Schubert Lieder at dusk, to sound art on boats at sunrise, the 2025 Canberra International Music Festival presents a sublime program of classical and contemporary masterpieces for the discerning and daring listener. Under the theme Liberté, we point to the political, historical, and cultural constraints faced by artists, celebrating their resilience and triumphs through their creations.
Our bespoke tour package includes 5 nights (Wed 30 April – Mon 5 May) accommodation in premium rooms at an award-winning luxury 4.5 star hotel; priority seating at 10 selected concerts spread across an exciting array of venues including Canberra’s new Snow Concert Hall, the historic Albert Hall, The High Court of Australia and the Finnish Embassy; attendance at several bespoke events with opportunities to meet the artists; free parking at the hotel and organised coach travel to/from all concert venues. There will be optional food and wine experiences and guided gallery tours available between concerts.
This bespoke small group tour offers a rare and exciting combination of sublime musical experiences, a fabulous group of like-minded music lovers, 3 experienced Tour Leaders to host and look after you, and ample opportunities to mix with the artists, composers, Artistic Director and wider festival family.
Our journey begins as we arrive and check in to Canberra’s newest, award winning 4.5- star luxury hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Canberra between the fashionable retail and restaurant hubs of Manuka and Kingston.
World-class
Concerts
Epicurean
Excellence
Luxury
Accommodation
Tour Itinerary
5 nights (Wed 30 April – Mon 5 May)
DAY 1 / WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2025
1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA
Festival Opening Gala ‘FANTASIA’, and ‘Welcome’ Drinks for our tour group
Our Canberra sojourn begins as we arrive and check in to Canberra’s highly acclaimed 4.5 star boutique design and lifestyle hotel, EAST. With its premium location between the fashionable retail and restaurant hubs of Manuka and Kingston, EAST Hotel provides a contemporary, cool and vibrant accommodation experience for visitors to the nation’s capital. East Hotel is a family affair with Italian roots. Roman chef Francesco Balestrieri, along with the hotel owners Dan and Dion Bisa, have together created an array of dining experiences that honour and celebrate their shared Italian heritage. The hotel has stand-alone dining and bar facilities, including Joe’s Bar – an intimate nocturnal meeting place to enjoy a curated wine list, classic cocktails, and contemporary Italian fare; Agostini’s – an Italian Restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine made with love.
In the early evening, the group will gather in the chic hotel foyer for coach travel to the SNOW CONCERT HALL, Canberra’s newest world-class music performance venue. Here, we will enjoy priority seating and pre-organised interval drinks while we attend the Festival’s Opening Gala – ‘FANTASIA’. Post-concert, we travel by bus back to our hotel for celebratory ‘welcome’ drinks and supper in the chic lobby lounge.
CONCERT 1: FANTASIA
Setting the scene, we hear the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in a program of exquisite contemporary Australian works alongside masterpieces of the string orchestra, including Vaughan Williams and Beethoven.
Venue:
7.30pm – Snow Concert Hall
Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven – Egmont Overture arr. String Orchestra
Olivia Davies – Crystalline
Richard Mills – Violin Concerto, Sinfonia Sacra. Four Portraits of the Blessed Virgin
- INTERVAL-
Molly Jalakbiya and Paul Stanhope – Dirrari Lament (from 3rd string quartet)
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Jessie Montgomery – Strum
Artists:
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Sophie Rowell (soloist - violin), Mark Atkins (yidaki and narration), Flinders Quartet, Ellery String Quartet
DAY 2 / THURSDAY 1 MAY 2025
2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA
Mid-morning we gather in our hotel lobby for travel to one of Canberra’s most iconic and historic venues – Albert Hall. Restored to its original glory post refurbishment, the Albert Hall’s magnificent Classical Revival architecture, gloriously ornate ceilings and grand oversized windows which overlook the park, lake, and elegant surroundings, combine to create a beautiful atmosphere at this magnificent, historic building. It provides a grand and perfect backdrop for our Festival concert experience.
Our morning concert features the Flinders Quartet (Melbourne) in a program of powerful works that blend intense emotion with moments of profound calm and resolve in ‘Serioso and Serene’.
In the late afternoon, we travel again to Albert Hall where we will enjoy The Australian Haydn Ensemble with renowned baritone David Greco in a captivating exploration of ‘Schubert’s Lieder’.
In the evening, we attend festival highlight ‘Magic Realism’ at the Street Theatre.
CONCERT 2: SERIOSO AND SERENE
Beethoven’s self-titled Serioso quartet, composed during the politically charged Napoleonic era, reflects his personal and political struggles, and a longing for freedom. In contrast, Dvořák’s 14th and final String Quartet radiates a broad, hopeful vision, capturing his deep love for Czech folk traditions. Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s Bungaree highlights the often-overlooked relationship between explorer Matthew Flinders and Bungaree, a Kurringai man whose diplomacy and knowledge were instrumental in mapping Australia
Venue:
11am – Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95, ‘Serioso’
Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Bungaree
Antonín Dvořák, String Quartet No. 14, Op. 105 in A flat
Duration 70min no interval.
Artists:
Flinders Quartet - Elizabeth Sellars (violin), Wilma Smith (violin), Helen Ireland (viola), Zoe Knighton (cello)
CONCERT 3: SCHUBERT LIEDER
Much more than a lieder recital, this rare and beautiful concert features some of Schubert’s most darkly-hued songs, superbly delivered by David Greco’s mahogany bass-baritone, and intensified by rich and expressive string quartet accompaniments.
Venue:
5.30pm – Albert Hall, Yarralumla
Duration:
60min no interval
Program:
Selected Schubert Lieder arr. for string quartet and baritone by Vi King Lim:
– Strophe aus ‘Die Götter Griechenlands’(Schiller) D 677
– Der Jungling und der Tod (von Spaun) D 545
– Gute Nacht, Frühlingstraum, Der Leiermann from Winterreise (Müller) D 91
– Der Tod und das Mädchen (Claudius) D 531
– Erlkönig (Goethe) D 328
Felix Mendelssohn - Four movements for String Quartet Op. 81:
– Andante in E Major,
– Scherzo in A minor,
– Capriccio in E minor,
– Fugue in E flat Major
Artists:
David Greco – baritone, The Australian Haydn Ensemble: Skye McIntosh, violin, Matthew Greco, violin, Karina Schmitz, viola, Daniel Yeadon, cello.
Concert 4 : MAGIC REALISM
Magic Realism takes the listener through a theatrical and mystical sonic journey traversing medieval Europe and contemporary Australian Indigenous culture. Three master musicians steer us through two profound works: Hildegard von Bingen’s O Spectabiles Viri is magically reinterpreted by Erkki Veltheim with soprano Jane Sheldon. Mungangga Garlagula, an immersive auditory journey that blurs the lines between dream and reality, day and night in a musical collaboration blending breath, voice and sound to create a deeply visceral experience.
Venue:
8pm – Street Theatre
Duration:
105 min including interval
Program:
Hildegard von Bingen – O Spectabiles Viri arr. Veltheim for soprano, violin and electronics. –– INTERVAL ––Mark Atkins and Erkki Veltheim – Mungangga Garlagula
Artists:
Jane Sheldon – soprano, Mark Atkins – yidaki (didgeridoo), Erkki Veltheim – composer and performer
DAY 3 / FRIDAY 2 MAY 2025
3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA
‘OPTIONAL’ – FIVE SHORT BLASTS: 8:30am – a Boat ride on Lake Burley Griffin In the early morning, when the wind drops, when the waters of Lake Burley Griffin that now submerge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri plain are still, we head out on the water in a small flotilla to listen. Five Short Blasts – the name of the signal known instantly to mariners as an expression of uncertainty or alarm, celebrates the 60th anniversary year of Lake Burley Griffin, and combines live performance, new composition and simulcast radio in an intimate one-hour experience on the lake.
Late morning, we meet in the hotel lobby for travel to the Finnish Embassy where we will enjoy an exclusive reception hosted by the Finnish Ambassador, as well as a performance by 2 most eminent Finnish-Australian artists: the ACO’s acclaimed Satu Vänskä performs with Erkki Veltheim in ‘Viulut’.
In the afternoon, we travel together to the High Court of Australia for another exclusive event. Here, we will experience extraordinary musicians performing in an extraordinary space. Witness two superlative artists engage with each other inside this lofty space as Finnish Satu Vänskä and Russian Konstantin Shamray come together in a testament to bridging the divide in ‘Echoes of the Iron Curtain’.
In the early evening - also in the High Court, we hear ‘Quintessence’ where the Flinders Quartet and pianist extraordinaire Paavali Jumpannen explore two powerful piano quintets that blend introspective depth with the intensity of their composers’ complex political landscapes.
Post-concert, we travel by coach back to EAST Hotel for dinner at Agostini’s.
CONCERT 5: VIULUT: VÄNSKÄ AND VELTHEIM
Venue:
12 pm - Embassy of Finland
Program:
Two Finnish artists in their element! Satu and Erkki together present works that reflect on their personal creative and cultural identities.
Artists:
Satu Vänskä (violin) and Erkki Veltheim (violin)
CONCERT 6: ECHOES OF THE IRON CURTAIN
Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Satu Vänskä and modern piano maestro Konstantin Shamray unite for an exploration of the enchanting musical landscapes of Soviet Russia. The cultural freedom of the Soviet era, especially during the time of the Iron Curtain, was deeply influenced by the political climate that governed all aspects of life. The state’s control over artistic expression often operated through strict laws and policies of censorship that shaped the works of composers. Who better than Satu and Kostya to lead us through such a program of works touched by suppression of artistic freedom and weight of state-enforced boundaries, performed inside Australia’s High Court?
Venue:
3 pm – High Court of Australia, Parkes
Duration:
90 minutes, including interval.
Program:
Galina Ustvolskaya Sonata for Violin and Piano
Dmitri Shostakovich – Four Preludes for Violin and Piano, Op. 34 (1923) – arr. Dmitri Tsyganov
–– INTERVAL ––
Arvo Pärt Fratres for violin and piano (1977/1980)
Sergei Prokofiev – Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 (1946)
Artists:
Satu Vänskä (violin), Konstantin Shamray (piano)
Concert 7: QUINTESSENCE
In their first collaboration, Flinders Quartet and Paavali Jumppanen explore two powerful piano quintets that blend introspective depth with the intensity of their composers’ complex political landscapes. Shostakovich’s quintet emerged just after he faced severe censure from Soviet authorities. With Stalin’s regime policing artistic expression Shostakovich often navigated a delicate balance, creating music that subtly veiled his personal and political sentiments. Polish born Bacewicz’s quintet reveals her response to similar pressures. Despite limited freedoms under a Soviet-influenced regime, she infused her music with Polish folk elements and vigorous rhythms, gestures of national identity subtly pushing against enforced Soviet ideals.
Venue:
6pm – High Court of Australia, Parkes
Program:
Grażyna Bacewicz, Piano Quintet No. 1 (1952)
Dmitri Shostakovich, Piano Quintet in G minor, Op.57 (1940)
Artists:
Paavali Jumppanen (piano) with Flinders Quartet: Elizabeth Sellars (violin), Wilma Smith (violin), Helen Ireland (viola), Zoe Knighton (cello)
Post-concert:
We travel by coach back to our hotel for dinner at Agostini’s.
DAY 4 / SATURDAY, 3 MAY 2025
4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA
Late morning, we meet in the hotel lobby for travel to the Snow Concert Hall, where we will enjoy ‘Double Klavier’ - a performance by two international piano powerhouses, Konstantin Shamray and Paavali Jumppanen.
In the evening, we gather in the hotel foyer for travel to the Snow Concert Hall to attend Festival highlight 8 Pipers for Philip Glass. Eight Pipers from Brittany, France will take us on a musical odyssey in which the gloriously saturated sonic texture of eight bagpipes fills the hall, immersing the audience in a world of haunting resonance and complex beauty. This Australian debut showcases the powerful artistry of French pipers in a concert that demands to be heard, witnessed, and felt with every sense.
Concert 8: DOUBLE KLAVIER
In this exquisite program, we present a rare side-by-side concert with two international piano powerhouses: Paavali Jumppanen (FIN) and Konstantin Shamray (RUS). These pianists are formidable, fearless and flawless interpreters of epic solo piano works. Double Klavier centres around two landmark works showcasing their extraordinary talent and virtuosity. Experience the monumental Beethoven Hammerklavier Sonata, Op. 106, renowned for its technical and expressive demands. In contrast, Schumann’s Humoreske, Op. 20 offers an intimate, introspective journey through ever-shifting emotions, exploring the Romantic character and psychology in music.
Venue:
11 am – Snow Concert Hall
Program:
George Enescu – Chorale and Carillon-Nocturne from Pièces Impromptues (Suite No. 3) opus 18
Robert Schumann – Humoreske in B-flat major, Op. 20
–– INTERVAL ––
Valentyn Silvestrov – Kitsch Music
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata No. 29 in Bb Major Op. 1-6 “Hammerklavier”
Olivia Davies – New work for four hands
Artists:
Konstantin Shamray (piano), Paavali Jumppanen (piano)
Concert 9: EIGHT PIPERS FOR PHILIP GLASS
In 8 Pipers for Philip Glass, the music of visionary composer Philip Glass is re-imagined in a captivating arrangement by another creative trailblazer. Erwan Keravec, the master of French highland bagpipes from Brittany—a region where bagpipes are woven into the cultural fabric—believed that Glass’s compositions were destined for the raw, expressive power of bagpipes, including Scottish bagpipes, bombards, and binious. This performance proves he was absolutely right, creating a mesmerising experience that connects Glass’s modern compositions to ancient musical roots.
Venue:
7:30 pm – Snow Concert Hall
Program:
Philip Glass – Metamorphosis for solo piano
–– INTERVAL ––
Philip Glass – Music in similar motion
Philip Glass – Music in contrary motion
Philip Glass – Music in fifths
Philip Glass – Two pages
Artists:
Erwan Keravec – Artistic Director (bagpipe), Gaël Chauvin (bombard), Mickaël Cozien (biniou), Gweltaz Hervé (bagpipe), Erwan Hamon (bombard), Guénolé Keravec (bombard), Vincent Marin (bombard), Enora Morice (biniou), Sonya Lifschitz (piano)
DAY 5 / SUNDAY 4 MAY 2025
5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA
In the morning, we meet in our hotel lobby for travel to the ACC&C where we will enjoy ‘Cycles and variations’ - a Recital by formidable soloist and Principal Cello of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Finnish star musician, Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve. Performing alongside Tipi, Helen Svoboda is a Finnish/Australian award-winning double bassist, vocalist and composer.
Following the recital, there will be the possibility to attend an ‘OPTIONAL Lunch & Wine Tasting’ at Canberra’s thriving, new precinct Dairy Road. As we sample the menu and wines at urban winery ‘Contentious Character’, a quartet of French pipers will be audible in the distance as they perform ‘SONNEURS’.
In the early evening, we gather in the hotel foyer for travel to the Snow Concert Hall where we will attend (and perhaps even participate in!) Festival Finale “Finlandia”. In a celebration of Finnish-Australian relations and featuring Sibelius’ much-loved Finlandia, the Finale brings together a massed choir and team of virtuosic Australian-based Finnish musicians who join forces to mark the end of the 2025 Festival.
Concert 10: TIPI VALVE IN RECITAL ‘CYCLES AND VARIATIONS’
Venue:
11 am – ACC&C, Barton
Duration:
Duration 50 min no interval.
Program:
JS Bach Prelude BWV1007 G Major
Kate MOORE Lidy’s Piece (2015)
Helen SVOBODA solo improvisation for voice and bass
JS Bach Prelude BWV1010 E flat Major
Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti koʻu inoa (2017)
Helen SVOBODA solo improvisation for voice and bass
Jean Sibelius Variations (1887)
Artists:
Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve (cello), Helen Svoboda (double bass and vocals)
‘OPTIONAL’: Lunch & Wine Tasting
Attend an ‘OPTIONAL Lunch & Wine Tasting’ at Canberra’s thriving, new precinct Dairy Road. As we sample the menu and wines at urban winery ‘Contentious Character’, a quartet of French pipers will be audible in the distance as they perform ‘SONNEURS’ led by master French piper Erwan Keravec. SONNEURS offers a fresh, powerful perspective on traditional sounds, inviting audiences to experience folk-inspired compositions in a groundbreaking new way.
Concert 11: FINALE – FINLANDIA
In a celebration of Finnish-Australian relations and featuring Sibelius’ much-loved Finlandia, the Finale brings together a massed choir and team of virtuosic Australian-based Finnish musicians who join forces to mark the end of the 2025 Festival.
Venue:
6.30 pm – Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill
Program:
Works by Sibelius, Saariaho, Olivia Davies, Nicole Smede and Helvi Leiviskä
Artists:
Satu Vänskä (violin), Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve (cello), Erkki Veltheim (violin / viola / electric violin/ composition), Paavali Jumpannen (piano), Flinders Quartet
Mark Atkins (yidaki/digeridoo), Gaël Chauvin, Mickaël Cozien, Erwan Keravec, Enora Morice (pipers), Eugene Ughetti (percussion), Community Choirs: comprising 200-300 voices (SATB)
DAY 6 / MONDAY 5 MAY 2025
TOUR CONCLUDES
Following a leisurely breakfast, we check out of EAST HOTEL and our wonderful 5-day Festival Tour concludes.
Costs and Information
There may be some changes to the itinerary.
Our tour package includes tickets to 11 carefully selected concerts. There are many more concerts in the festival and guests are of course free to buy additional tickets and make their own arrangements to attend any of these.
Breakfast for one is included with your room package ($1,350).
Hotel parking is provided to you FREE OF CHARGE for the duration of your stay.
Flights from Sydney to Canberra are not included in this itinerary.
Meals and drinks are not included in the overall tour cost. These are always optional and are to be paid on consumption.
Events/concerts listed as “OPTIONAL” are not included in the Tour Cost. Tickets to these will be booked at your request and billed additionally.
CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR
Wed 30th April - Mon 5th May 2025 (5 nights)
TOUR PACKAGE COSTS
UPGRADED ROOM AT EAST HOTEL (for 5 nights incl complimentary breakfast for one) = $1350 PER ROOM
TOUR including 10 CONCERT TICKET PACKAGE (Priority Seating) and BUS TRAVEL TO/FROM ALL CONCERT VENUES = $1250 PER PERSON
TOTAL TOUR COST = $2,600 (singles) $3950 (couples)
NB A Deposit of $600 by Feb 24th is required to secure your place, alternatively you are welcome to pay the full amount upfront
TOUR LEADERS
Rachel Whealy – Executive Director, The Song Company
Annie Whealy – Director, MWV Music Tours
The Hon. Justice Anthony Whealy KC – Chair, Bach Akademie Australia
NB Places are limited to a maximum number of 50 participants; with numbers currently sitting at 30, this tour is likely to sell out soon!