The 2026 Orange Chamber Music Festival officially opens with an exclusive dining event and reception at Banksia, marking an important evolution in the Festival’s presentation. Merging visiting and local audiences the 2026 Opening Night features singer-songwriter Lior, acclaimed for his vast catalogue of original music, and his compelling orchestral song-cycle Compassion, with music by Australian composer Nigel Weslake.
Performing music from his latest album Blue, Lior’s performance will also feature the lush accompaniment of the Nomad String Quartet.
For the first time, the Festival will be formally presented by a specialist musicologist. ABC Classic and TV host Megan Burslem will introduce audiences to each performance with informative pre-concert talks and introductions. Megan Burslem brings her distinctive voice, insight and warmth to Opening Night, launching the 2026 Festival with a resonating Acknowledgement to Country. The work selected is written by Yorta Yorta/Yuin woman Prof. Deborah Cheetham-Fraillon and it is titled ‘Long Time Living Here’. This musical acknowledgement is to be performed live by the Nomad String Quartet, and spoken word.
A cherished OCMF tradition continues on Friday, as pass holders are transported to a ‘secret location’- a non-traditional concert venue located within the extended LGA. Arriving at the historic homestead Boree Cabonne, OCMF blends rustic country charm with an exquisite musical program, featuring rarely heard works by Joseph Haydn, performed by the exceptional Gryphon Baryton Trio, visiting from Victoria. This performance is followed by a relaxed picnic-buffet at the picturesque grounds of Macquariedale Organic Wines, the first of three signature events showcasing the Orange wine region: A taste of Orange.
Returning to the Orange CBD, the afternoon presents the regional debut of the newly appointed Sydney Symphony Fellows, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness the next generation of classical music leaders, continuing the Festival’s strong record of championing emerging talent since 2021. The partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra follows a streak of successful collaborations with top Australian art companies, providing access to training and performance opportunities to local youth, this time with an intensive three-day music camp.
Friday’s program culminates at the Orange Civic Theatre with the internationally acclaimed pianist Simon Tedeschi and the Nexas Quartet, with a bold and imaginative reworking of the music of George Gershwin, blending virtuosic improvisation with innovative adaptations of his most iconic works, including the hugely famous ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.
Saturday is for Cultured. Spread across the Cultural Precinct, locals and visitors are invited to explore our flagship cross-collaboration, a cooperative event with the Orange City Library, Museum and Art Gallery. This immersive, free and accessible activity features performances by the Sydney Symphony Fellows and Gryphon Baryton Trio, presenting an inclusive cultural experience that welcomes the broader community to enjoy classical music in a less-formal setting.
More recitals and signature events are presented in the afternoon, with the return of the Acacia Quartet, celebrated for their engaging stage presence and commitment to Australian repertoire. Following the performance, guests are invited to another signature event at Yallungah Boutique Hotel, showcasing partnerships with local wineries and service providers. This event acts as a refreshing break before the final performance of the evening. Featuring one of Australia’s most sought-after tenors Andrew Goodwin, together with pianist Simon Tedeschi, Silver Screen Serenades evokes the golden age of cinema, transporting audiences through beloved songs that celebrate the romance and nostalgia of classic film.
The Festival concludes on Sunday morning with a Conversation at the Orange regional Gallery, hosted by presenter Megan Burslem. This event provides insight into creative processes and artistic journeys, and a preview on what is in store for next years’ Festival. Guests are then transported to the village of Millthorpe, with a final stop at Angullong cellar door, before enjoying the Festival’s traditional dining and performance event at TONIC restaurant. The program titled Songbirds is presented by multi-award-winning Ensemble Offspring—bringing the Festival to a vibrant and memorable close with a program of music by Australian composers.
Now in its sixth year, the 2026 Orange Chamber Music Festival continues a steep growth journey, positioning the Orange Region as a leading cultural destination while embracing new approaches to ensure audience return, such as the introduction of a specialist Festival presenter and radio host; deepening connection, storytelling and an elevated audience experience.
Local businesses play a fundamental role in supporting the Festival, including venues, boutique accommodation, restaurants, wineries and producers. Their involvement strengthens the Festival’s authenticity and ensures economic benefits are retained within the community. These partnerships also provide visitors with meaningful, place-based experiences that differentiate the Orange Chamber Music Festival from similar, more established music festivals.
The Festival enjoys strong grassroots support from the Orange community, including volunteers, performers, audiences, donors and advocates. Local residents actively participate as attendees and ambassadors, welcoming visitors and contributing to the Festival’s warm and inclusive atmosphere. This sense of ownership strengthens the visitor experience and reinforces Orange’s reputation as a welcoming destination. By showcasing regional excellence alongside world-class artists, the Festival amplifies Orange’s brand as a destination where culture, produce and lifestyle intersect.
Whilst most events are at capacity for the upcoming 2026 Festival, we invite the community to join performances by the Sydney Symphony Fellows (Friday 13th March 4.30pm), Simon Tedeschi & the Nexas Quartet at the Orange Civic Theatre (Friday 13th at 8:00pm), as well as joining for a family and community outing at Cultured 2026, Saturday 14th March from 10:00am.
For more details please check our website www.ocmf.com.au
Image: Sydney Symphony Fellows
