Bundanon is set to become a key destination for music lovers in 2025 with the launch of its inaugural Boyd Music Series.
This highly anticipated concert series, presented in collaboration with Sydney Opera House, showcases a line-up of world-class chamber musicians and celebrated soloists spanning western and eastern classical traditions. Running from May to November, the series promises to deliver a rich tapestry of sounds, with performances held at the award-winning Boyd Education Centre overlooking the breathtaking Bangli/Shoalhaven River.
Curated by Genevieve Lacey, Utzon Music Series Curator for the Sydney Opera House, the Boyd Music Series is an extraordinary opportunity to experience musical excellence in a setting of natural beauty. Featuring both Australian and international artists, the programme includes several debut performances within Australia, offering audiences a rare and intimate insight into some of the world’s leading classical talents.
Rachel Kent, CEO of Bundanon, said, “We are delighted to launch this ambitious new chamber music series at Bundanon, bringing the work of these incredible musicians to the Shoalhaven for the first time. Set within the award-winning Boyd Education Centre, with views of the mountains and river, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for these captivating listening experiences.”
Genevieve Lacey added, “I am thrilled to support the expansion of chamber music across New South Wales with this dynamic programme of performances, offering audiences the opportunity to experience world-class music in truly unique settings, across both the Sydney Opera House and Bundanon.”
A season of extraordinary performances
The series began in spectacular fashion on 17 May, with a performance by Bronzewing, an Australian duo known for their modern soundscapes created using ancient instruments. Violist Katie Yap and harpsichordist Dr Donald Nicolson mesmerised the audience with a set that seamlessly wove together baroque improvisation and 80s synth pop influences.
On 5 July, German a cappella ensemble Sjaella will take the stage, enchanting audiences with their soul-stirring harmonies. Comprised of six accomplished vocalists who have performed together since childhood, this internationally acclaimed group will present a repertoire that includes works by Purcell, Janequin, and Caroline Shaw, alongside arrangements of traditional songs from across Europe and a new piece by Sydney-based composer Alice Chance.
16 August will see a remarkable collaboration between celebrated classical guitarist Slava Grigoryan and London-based violinist Emily Sun. Performing together for the first time, these much-loved Australian musicians will explore romantic works by composers such as Paganini, Piazzolla, and Locatelli, along with a world premiere by rising Sydney composer Andrew Howes. Sun, who plays the rare 250-year-old Italian violin ‘The Adelaide’, is a renowned international performer, while Grigoryan’s globe-trotting career and multiple ARIA Awards have cemented him as one of Australia’s finest musicians.
On 27 September, the series will highlight the timeless beauty of Classical Persian music with a collaboration led by Iranian-Australian qanun player Vahideh Eisaei and oud player Hamid Khansari. Alongside vocalist Saba Pashaee and other accomplished musicians, they will perform ancient vocal radifs and contemporary compositions in an intimate celebration of Persian heritage. This performance marks the Australian debut of Khansari and Pashaee.
The season concludes on 22 November with a special appearance by Norwegian composer-performer Benedicte Maurseth, accompanied by Morten Qvenild, Mats Eilertsen, and Håkon Stene. Together, they will showcase Maurseth’s poetic reinterpretation of Nordic folk traditions, inspired by her new album Mirra. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Boyd Education Centre, their performance celebrates the haunting sounds and survival patterns of Norway’s northern landscapes.
A fusion of music and nature
The Boyd Music Series is not just a celebration of exceptional music but an invitation to experience it in one of Australia’s most inspiring locations. Nestled in the Shoalhaven region, Bundanon’s breathtaking scenery provides an unmatched backdrop for this exciting collaboration between artistry and nature.
With its carefully curated mix of established icons and innovative voices, the Boyd Music Series is set to be a highlight of Australia’s cultural calendar in 2025. Music lovers should not miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration.
2025 Boyd Music Series dates
- 5 July – Sjaella
- 16 August – Emily Sun & Slava Grigoryan
- 27 September – Vahideh Eisaei, Hamid Khansari, Pegah Kheirdoush, Sohrab Kolahdooz and Saba Pashaee
- 22 November – Benedicte Maurseth with Morten Qvenild, Mats Eilertsen, Håkon Stene
For more information and bookings, visit www.bundanon.com.au.