Established in 2019 the Orange Chamber Music Festival highlights and celebrates the unique features of the Orange Region by combining classical music with carefully curated cultural experiences, in partnership with local businesses, organisations and individuals.
The Orange Chamber Music Festival is the Autumn opener of Regional NSW, returning for its 5th year from March 6th to the 9th. Setting the stage are numerous venues around the Orange Region, and visitors and locals can expect a diverse array of experiences, from formal performances, the intimate cafe-concert, a festival gala and free community concerts, surrounded by the city’s thriving culture of fine food and wine.
Whether a music expert, an aficionado, or simply a lover of the Orange Region, the 2025 Festival promises to deliver a world-class event that is known for its fresh appeal and excellence in programming.
On day one, Diamond Pass holders are welcomed to an exclusive lunch at Rowlee Dining & Bar in Nashdale, followed by Pacific Opera Studio’s performance ‘A Taste of Opera’.
In the evening, the Opening Night Concert will set the tone to an incredible four days of diverse music making, featuring one of Australia’s most engaging ensembles, the Orava Quartet.
The popular Café-Concert, held at a charming old church, owned by a renowned local chef will conclude day one, with the Mendoza Tango Quartet as special guests. This event is included in the Diamond Pass and available as an add-on to the Festival Pass and the general public.
On Friday, pass holders will be taken on a short road-trip to explore our stunning countryside at a new venue, to enjoy a delightful brunch and a glorious performance by violinist Rachael Beesley and cellist Josephine Vains, Ensemble Old & New, from Victoria.
The afternoon will bring audiences back to town to experience two featured concerts by Lyrebird Brass and their program titled Brass & The City, followed by a bespoke piano trio, Alexandra Osborne, Elina Faskhi and Andrea Lam.
Saturdays are for Cultured, the flagship Community Event developed and curated by OCMF’s Festival Director. It is held at the cultural precinct in Byng Street, providing free access to the general public and visitors to experience the fine Arts in a more approachable and relaxed manner. 2025 will feature a sensorial performance at the Library by harpist and composer Paul Nicoloau titled Elemental Resonance, followed by the newly established Cultured Youth Orchestra at the adjacent Orange Civic Theatre.
Another highlight of this year’s Cultured event is a special performance by the ACO Collective (Australian Chamber Orchestra), in conjunction with a major survey of works by Ann Thomson, at the Orange Regional Gallery.
Also on Saturday, Festival Pass holders and the general public will enjoy another featured concert titled Watercolours, featuring flute, cello and piano before the highly anticipated Festival Gala. Held on international Women’s Day Opus.her is a special performance by an all female line-up, highlighting the achievements of women creatives as well as relevant figures of history and modern day.
An easy Sunday morning at the Orange Regional Gallery features a light Conversation with Festival Artist and culmination, Festival pass holders are transported to the village of Millthorpe for the Festival’s traditional final lunch at TONIC restaurant.
Head to www.ocmf.com.au/events for more details on each program.
