From 2–11 October, Music at the Basilica will present the 17th Annual Windfire Music Festival, featuring six outstanding concerts and five free weekday lunchtime performances.
The festival opens with the internationally acclaimed Australian Chamber Choir in Encores, a joyful collection of audience favourites. Laughter and Tears explores the shimmering colours of Debussy, Ravel and Leo Smit through the rare combination of flute, viola and harp, while Geelong soprano Lee Abrahmsen and pianist Kevin Tamanini present Legends, Lovers and Lieder, featuring glorious songs by Puccini, Strauss, Grainger and Wagner.
The second weekend continues with Sweet and Low, as the Vocal Consort of the Australian Boys Choral Institute fills the Basilica with the beauty of unaccompanied voices in a program of classical and contemporary works. The acclaimed AXES Saxophone Quartet then presents Other Places, Other Times…, a thought-provoking exploration of music shaped by history and society. The festival concludes with Water of Life: A Musical Voyage from Skye to Venice, where Evergreen Ensemble with guest soloist Michael O’Donnell celebrate the musical traditions of Scotland and Italy in works by Oswald, Gabrieli and Vivaldi.
Complementing the main concerts are five free weekday performances at the Basilica featuring Lucy Riddett, Olivier Bonnici, Angie Smales, the Zephyr Recorder Consort and Liz Monument.
The Windfire Music Festival enriches Geelong’s cultural life by bringing distinguished artists to our city while showcasing outstanding local talent. Whether you are a devoted music lover or attending your first concert, this year’s festival promises memorable experiences in some of Geelong’s most beautiful venues. Full program details and bookings are available at: https://musicatthebasilica.org.au/music-festival/
