RISING STARS at the Sydney Conservatorium is a vibrant, performance-focused program that nurtures gifted school-age musicians through specialist tuition and a highly supportive learning environment. As part of our 2026 BCMF program, we are delighted to welcome three exceptional Rising Stars to share their artistry in a special Friday afternoon concert.

Program

More details coming soon

Artists

TBC

Experience the mesmerising presence of shakuhachi master RILEY LEE as he returns to Blackheath, this time in powerful company with percussionist TIMOTHY CONSTABLE and the dynamic TAIKOZ drummers. Shaping an evocative journey through sound, RESOUNDING BELL promises to be an unforgettable evening of immersion, energy and quiet wonder.

Program

Riley LEE, John CLEWORTH | Drifting

Timothy CONSTABLE | Last Shaman

Ian CLEWORTH | Lion Dogs

Riley LEE, Kevin MAN, Kerryn JOYCE | Resounding Bell

Artists

Riley Lee | shakuhachi
Timothy Constable | percussion
Haruka Kunimune | taiko drum
Ian Cleworth | taiko drum
Ryuji Hamada | taiko drum
Silvana Imperatori | taiko drum

Don’t miss this special showcase of HUNTINGTON ESTATE WINES, long-time supporters of the Blackheath Chamber Music Festival. Enjoy a curated tasting in the elegant dining space at Glenella Heritage House.

THE PASSIONATE PILGRIM - Music inspired by the poems of William Shakespeare and Thomas Wyatt.

In this exciting world-premiere, Jennifer Eriksson’s artistic collective ELYSIAN FIELDS join acclaimed actor JOHN BELL, bringing the the words of William Shakespeare and Sir Thomas Wyatt to life through music. Newly created works and fresh reinventions of early music intertwine with the spoken and sung word, to create an intimate, unforgettable journey.

Program

Matt McMahon | “What Should I Say” - Song cycle based on poetry by 16th century poet Sir Thomas Wyatt

More program details coming soon.

Artists

John Bell | spoken word

ELYSIAN FIELDS
Susie Bishop | voice and violin
Loretta Palmeiro | saxophone
Matt McMahon | piano
Jenny Eriksson | electric viola da gamba
Brett Hirst | double bass
Rease Cameron | drums

Clarinettist LLOYD VAN’T HOFF joins the dynamic CHROMA QUARTET for this intimate program that spans fiery contemporary energy and deep Romantic expression.

Program

Johannes BRAHMS| Clarinet Quintet in B Minor - Op. 115 (1891)
i. Allegro
ii. Adagio
iii. Andantino
iv. Con moto

Holly HARRISON | Spitfire (2020)

Leoš JANÁČEK | String Quartet No.2 - Intimate Letters (1928)
i. Andante – Con moto – Allegro
ii. Adagio – Vivace
iii. Moderato – Andante – Adagio
iv. Allegro – Andante – Adagio

Artists

Lloyd Van’t Hoff | clarinet

CHROMA QUARTET
Harry Bennett | violin
Victoria Bihun | violin
Amanda Verner | viola
Eliza Sdraulig | cello

Join JOSHUA BATTY, AMANDA VERNER and LOUISE JOHNSON for a reflective morning of chamber music. Blending the evocative tone colours of flute, viola and harp, this program offers an invitation to be still, listen, and experience music from the inside out.

Program

Claude DEBUSSY | Syrinx (1913)

Claude DEBUSSY | Clair de Lune (1905)

Toru TAKEMITSU | And I knew ‘Twas Wind (1992)

Nicholas ROUTLEY | Sonata for flute, viola and harp [dedicated to harpist, Louise Johnson]

Arnold BAX | Elegiac Trio (1916)

Artists

Joshua Batty | flute
Amanda Verner | viola
Louise Johnson | harp

A vibrant ensemble of Sydney Symphony Orchestra wind Soloists—Emma Sholl, Shefali Pryor, Olli Leppäniemi, Samuel Jacobs, Matthew Wilkie and Alexander Morris — will present a program bursting with character and contrast. This concert offers a lively journey through storytelling, rhythm and the unmistakable charm of the wind ensemble.

Program

Astor PIAZOLLA - Estaciones Porteñas arranged for wind quintet (1969 - 1970)
iii. Primavera Porteña
iv. Otoño Porteño

Maurice RAVEL - Ma mère L’Oye for wind quintet (1910)

Ross EDWARDS - The Laughing Moon (2012)
i. Laughing Dance
ii. Interlude with Imaginary Birds
iii. Ecstatic Dance
iv. Moon Song
v. Clapping Dance

Leoš JANÁČEK- “Mladi” for wind sextet (1924)
i. Allegro
ii. Andante sostenuto
iii. Vivace
iv. Allegro animato

Artists

Emma Sholl | Flute
Shefali Pryor | Oboe
Olli Leppäniemi | Clarinet
Samuel Jacobs | Horn
Matthew Wilkie | Bassoon
Alexander Morris | Bass Clarinet

Not to be missed! This bespoke celebration of ROSS EDWARDS’ music brings together six exceptional singers with musicians RILEY LEE, LOUISE JOHNSON, JULIAN SMILES and TIMOTHY CONSTABLE, under the direction of NICHOLAS ROUTLEY with the works arranged especially for this curated ensemble.

This deeply moving program promises a luminous and heartfelt finale—a stunning way to draw the BCMF26 to a close.

Program

A bespoke compilation of works by Ross EDWARDS

Ab Estatis Foribus ~ At the Gates of Summer (1980)

Suite from Vespers for Mother Earth (2020)
i. To Invoke the morning
ii. Flame of the Sun: Aria
iv. Orison
vi. Canticle of the Earth

Dance Mantras (1992)

Artists

Nicholas Routley | conductor

Riley Lee | shakuhachi
Louise Johnson | harp
Julian Smiles | cello
Timothy Constable | percussion

CHORUS
Susannah Lawergren | soprano
Susie Bishop | soprano
Jessica O’Donoghue | mezzo-soprano
Geoffrey Webb | tenor
Andrew O’ Connor | bass baritone
Philip Murray | bass