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News: Port Fairy Spring Music Festival – Habitat, 13-15 October 2023

by Classic Melbourne 5th October, 2023
by Classic Melbourne 5th October, 2023
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The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival is a major music event for Victoria; unlike many festivals at the moment, this one has not been cancelled. On the contrary, it continues to thrive, thanks to a succession of distinguished Artistic Directors, imaginative collaborative programming, and excellent performances by established artists and the best of Australia’s new and emerging young performers and composers. Local community engagement has also ensured success.

Created in 1990 by the late British Australian composer Michael Easton and the pianist Len Vorster, it been staged as an annual regional music festival since then, apart from the COVID-19 interruption. Continuing the legacy of Artistic Directors such as Marco van Pagee, Len Vorster, Erich Fackert, Stephen McIntyre, Anna Goldsworthy and Iain Grandage, Monica Curro and Stefan Cassomenos have once again curated an inspired program of diverse events.

Classical and contemporary ensemble music, drama, orchestral and choral music, jazz, opera, dance and free open-air performance are featured in a program of 24 performances over three days. Concerts are generally an hour long and designed especially for the festival. School performances, masterclasses, pre-concert talks, artist “talks and conversations”, and art exhibitions all enhance the appreciation and involvement of Festival patrons and the community.

The words of Artistic Directors Monica Curro and Stefan Cassomenos provide the most eloquent summary of the Habitat concept integral to this year’s exciting Festival and what is on offer.

“HABITAT – from a microscopic cell to the vast expanse of the universe, our natural environment is the space inhabited by all living organisms, where we not only exist, but where we have the safety to thrive and evolve. In 2023 PFSMF explores and celebrates the miracle of life in nature, highlighting its exquisite fragility and the urgent necessity to do everything to ensure its survival. We tell and sing our stories of microcosms and macrospheres, and the histories of our ecosystems through the pinnacle of human achievement – creative expression.

“The Festival’s bucolic biosphere reverberates with over a hundred artists from all corners of the cultural firmament -an organist, a harpist, a didgeridoo player, an author, a visual art curator, a set designer, two conductors, two percussionists, three brass players, four pianists, four world premiere composers, eight woodwinds, eleven strings, fifteen vocal soloists, a bevy of bellringers, and a colossal chorus

“Amos Roach’s and Brenda Gifford’s healing songlines connect us with Country and Culture; Steve Davislim joins PLEXUS in giving voice to mythological narratives through both Australian and Schubertian lenses; Kristian Chong, Alex Raineri and Stefan Cassomenos traverse panoramic pianistic territory; Michelle Nicolle champions women in jazz; and Sarah Curro and Gareth Colliton spotlight Australian composers and Southwest visual artists. Vox Plexus make their Port Fairy debut, and we warmly welcome back Festival favourites The Sutherland Trio. Gerry Connolly and Leyland Jones split our sides with capricious cabarets, and Thomas Heywood brings the organ of St John’s to life.

“To bring it all home, this year’s trilogy of epic galas showcase three of the greatest symphonies of all time – Beethoven’s Pastoral, Mahler’s Titan, and Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms -celebrating habitats of terrain, ancestry, and spirit.”

“Tickets can be booked directly from the website. If you have any problems with your booking, please contact us on tickets@portfairyspringfest.com.au or call us on 0429 372 287. Our Box Office team will get back to you when they can, but please note that we are a small team and may not be able to respond straight away.”

You can also access some Festival concerts via Australian Digital Concert Hall, beginning with the Opening Gala: Pastorale, on Friday, October 13, 2023, 7:30PM (AEDT). Streamed live from Reardon Theatre, Port Fairy/Gunditjmara.

Image supplied.

Port Fairy Spring Music Festival 2023
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Port Fairy Spring Music Festival 2023

23rd October, 2023

Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

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0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

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1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

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1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
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Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

1 event, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

0 events, 18

1 event, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

0 events, 20

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

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0 events, 22

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1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 3
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

  • There are no events on this day.
July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

  • There are no events on this day.
July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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