Ironwood is a renowned Australian period-instrument ensemble lauded for its historically-informed exploration of repertoire from the late-Renaissance to the late Romantic eras as well as its support of newly commissioned works. Established in 2006, the ensemble draws on a wealth of experience and expertise bringing together specialist leaders in the field. Core members are Rachael Beesley, Robin Wilson, Julia Fredersdorff, Anna McMichael, (violins), Daniel Yeadon (cello) and Neal Peres Da Costa (historical keyboards). Ironwood has its own subscription series, presented at the major festivals and concert series around Australia, and has toured Europe and America. With several innovative recordings on the ABC Classics and Vexations840 labels, Ironwood is regularly broadcast nationally on ABC FM and around the world. Ironwood has partnered with Musica Viva and has collaborated with The Song Company and Ensemble Offspring, exploring both old and new music in wide-ranging contexts. Ironwood has presented programs for the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, The Biennale of Sydney, the Resonate series at the Art Gallery of NSW, Peninsula Summer Music Festival and Ballarat Goldfields Festival. Ironwood has presented recitals at American Brahms Society Conference (New York, 2012), the Reactions to the Record IV Conference (Stanford University, 2014), the University of Colorado (Boulder, 2014), the Royal College of Music (London, 2015), the Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester, 2015) and Pegasus Early Music (US, 2012/2015).
Ironwood’s concerts and recordings are regularly broadcast on ABC Classic FM. Its discography includes The Bach Album – Oboe Concertos with Diana Doherty for ABC Classics, 2010, Songs for the Shadowland – music by Paul Stanhope with soprano Jane Sheldon for ABC Classics, 2010, Baroque Duets with Fiona Campbell and David Walker for Vexations 840, 2011, and Fairest Isle – (music by Purcell and Handel) with Miriam Allan for ABC Classics, 2012. Ironwood’s recordings featured in a sound design by Jeremy Silver for a new Australian play I Want To Sleep With Tom Stoppard by Toby Schmitz for Tamarama Rock Surfers Productions, nominated for best new work in the Sydney Theatre Awards 2012.
Ironwood’s core members are highly-experienced educators at tertiary music institutions including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Victorian College of the Arts, and the Australian National Academy of Music, and as key personnel within arts organisations such as the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra. Ironwood has been closely involved in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Chamber Players programme. Ironwood has an ongoing relationship with the Bundanon Trust Artists in Residence programme and, in collaboration with festivals and educational institutions, runs Developing Artist programmes in Victoria and NSW. The members of Ironwood have helped to create national networks for young HIP artists and to establish new groups and events such as the Australian Haydn Ensemble, The Muffat Collective, Pearl & Dagger Opera, Gut Instincts, and Sydney Baroque Music Festival.
Core Members
- Rachael Beesley – Violin
- Julia Fredersdorff – Violin
- Robin Wilson – Violin
- Anna McMichael – Violin</li>
- Daniel Yeadon – Cello
- Neal Peres Da Costa – historic keyboards
Ironwood’s concerts
There are no upcoming events at this time.Reviews and interviews with Ironwood
The inaugural Eastside Sydney Music Festival finale was an all-Baroque “Stravaganza!”
The final concert of the inaugural week-long Eastside Sydney Music Festival (ESMF), curated by Professor…
Ironwood opened the inaugural Eastside Sydney Music Festival to riotous applause
The rain momentarily eased in time to celebrate the opening concert of the inaugural Eastside…
Ironwood presented divine & distinctive string quartets in their program, “Prussian Frogs & Bohemian Princes”
The Paddington Uniting Church provided the beautiful venue for Ironwood’s concert Prussian Frogs and Bohemian…

Ironwood’s Classical Lyricism and Fervour was an evening of warm weather, beautiful tones, and spectacular works
With a program featuring a composer known as the “Spanish Mozart”, it should seem fitting…
Ironwood celebrate their 10th birthday with Schubertiade
Historical performance practice is to be encouraged and HIP concerts provided by Ironwood can be a revelation for those seeking a more authentic sound.
Ironwood performs composers whose styles were informed by Haydn with great sensitivity
A well-focused musical snapshot into this time in history and the intimate setting allowed the audience to really be a part of that experience.
Ironwood with Anneke Scott: Stolen Beauties
Never predictable and always surprising with a tight program, this exceptional chamber orchestra has again delighted with this concert series
Ironwood & Ensemble Offspring’s Broken concorts wove a magical mixture
They wove a magical mixture which seamlessly moved from the early 17th century to 2015. Clocking in at just 70 minutes.

Ironwood’s Old Masters, New Sounds
The recital opened with an elucidating lecture on the rationale for the performance style of…
Book Launch: Off the Record by Dr Neal Peres da Costa
On Tuesday 3rd July, on behalf of ClassikON, I attended the launch of Dr Neal…
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