There’s no denying autumn is one of the Southern Highlands’ most beautiful seasons. The trees turn, the air sharpens and the region settles into its most photogenic stretch of the year. From 26–29 March, the Bowral Autumn Music Festival adds six concerts of world-class chamber music to the calendar.
Held at St Jude’s, the festival brings together outstanding musicians for four days of intimate performances. Established in 2007 and presented by the Bowral Autumn Music Festival Society, it continues to champion classical chamber music while giving Highlands audiences the chance to experience it up close.
Here’s how the 2026 program unfolds.
Thursday 26 March – Opening night with Trio Henri
The program spans Henri Brod’s Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano, Britten’s Temporal Variations, William Hurlstone’s Bassoon Sonata, a trio by André Previn and Trio Fantastique by Dr Joe Chindamo OAM.
“Over time, composition became not just something I did, but part of who I am,” Chindamo said in a recent festival interview. “It now constitutes the most important means of artistic expression for me.”
The ensemble takes its name from early Romantic oboist Henri Brod, whose innovations helped shape the modern oboe. For Celia Craig, the instrument remains endlessly compelling.
“The oboe is the most demanding, capricious and rewarding instrument,” she said.
With its blend of colour, wit and lyrical depth, opening night sets a confident and character-filled tone for the weekend ahead.
Earlier in the afternoon, BAMF Society Members are welcomed with a High Tea reception in the St Jude’s Glass Room. A nice little way to mark the start of the festival.
Friday 27 March – Sacred stillness and bold saxophone
Friday offers two contrasting experiences.
Earlier in the day (12:30pm–1pm), a pre-concert discussion in the Glass Room features Vatche Jambazian (BAMF Artistic Director) in conversation with Emily Sun (violin) ahead of her Saturday recital (Concert #4).
In the afternoon (1:30pm–2:30pm), the St Mary’s Cathedral Scholars arrive under the direction of Daniel Justin, joined by tenor Richard Butler. Featuring Tenebrae, Gregorian chant, psalms, hymns, organ improvisations and works by Bach, Palestrina and Victoria, the program invites a quieter hour of reflection within the stone walls of St Jude’s.
Later in the day (5pm–5:30pm), another pre-concert discussion in the Glass Room sees Vatche Jambazian in conversation with Jay Byrnes (Nexas Quartet) ahead of the evening’s performance. Complimentary refreshments are included.
By evening (6pm–7:30pm), things shift gears as Nexas Quartet takes the stage. Their saxophone program moves from Bach’s Italian Concerto to Bernstein’s West Side Story and Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights, with additional works by Astor Piazzolla and Matthew Hindson, showcasing just how versatile (and occasionally dramatic) chamber music can be.
Saturday 28 March – Romantic repertoire and period instruments
Saturday afternoon (1:30pm–2:30pm) sees violinist Emily Sun and pianist Vatche Jambazian in recital. Their program moves from Schubert’s intimate Sonatina in G minor to Fazıl Say’s striking “Mount Ida” Sonata and Strauss’ sweeping Violin Sonata in E flat major.
In a recent interview for the festival, Emily described chamber music festivals as especially meaningful to her career.
“Collaborating and performing with interesting and inspiring artists is what I find most rewarding,” she said. “Being able to travel and share these special experiences and memories with friends and colleagues brings me so much joy. This is why I particularly love chamber music festivals.”
She also shared insight into the instrument she’ll bring to Bowral, a 1734 G.B. Guadagnini violin crafted in Milan, known as “The Adelaide,” on loan from the UKARIA Cultural Trust.
“It has a rich and deeply resonant sonority, almost velvety in sound, and I feel enormously privileged to perform on such an illustrious instrument,” she said.
Later that afternoon (5pm–5:30pm), a pre-concert discussion in the Glass Room features BAMF Artistic Director Vatche Jambazian in conversation with Emma McGrath (violin) and Hyung Suk Bae (cello) ahead of their Trio Kin performance the following day. Complimentary refreshments are included, making it a relaxed chance to hear directly from the artists before the evening’s concert.
On Saturday evening (6pm–7:30pm), Ironwood (Period-instrument Chamber Ensemble) performs, with repertoire including Schubert’s beloved “The Trout” Quintet (Piano Quintet in A major, D667). Heard on period instruments, the work takes on a fresh vitality. Bright, buoyant and full of character. A beautiful way to settle into a crisp Highlands evening.
Sunday 29 March – A contemporary note to close
The festival concludes on Sunday afternoon (2pm–3:15pm) with Trio Kin – Emma McGrath (violin), Hyung Suk Bae (cello) and Vatche Jambazian (piano).
The program spans Rachmaninoff’s Trio élégiaque No.1 in G minor, C.P.E. Bach’s Keyboard Trio in E flat major and Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No.2 in C minor, Op.66, alongside Ross Edwards’ Piano Trio No.2, presented as a World Premiere. A little history, a little romance and something brand new to round things out.
Following the final concert, a Festival Service (4pm–5pm Evensong) will be held at St Jude’s, featuring the St Jude’s Chamber Choir and music by Herbert Sumsion. A resonant and fitting close the weekend.
Planning your festival weekend
Full Festival Passes include all six concerts with an assigned seat ($390 adult, $320 pensioner, $95 student). Individual concert tickets range from $70–$80 for adults, with concession, student and child pricing available, along with education packages for school groups and young musicians.
As the Highlands leans into its most picturesque season, the Bowral Autumn Music Festival offers four days of music worth slowing down for. The kind of program that pairs beautifully with crisp mornings and unhurried evenings (very much our thing).
For the full program and ticket details, visit bamf.org.au.