And we can’t wait for Bellingen to be filled with the sounds of fine music which reflects its beauty, creativity and reputation as a town that embraces fine music in all its variations. Bellingen Muse is set to reward that passion with a fabulous, ambitions program with 18 performances in 2 towns across multiple venues, promising something for everyone.

The festival will open spectacularly in Bellingen with a gala night celebration at Cedar Bar & Kitchen, a venue known for its fine food and beautiful setting. Audiences will get their first taste of Muse 2022, with performances by, Paul and Trish Dean (Ensemble Q’s Artistic Directors), Meena Shamaly (Host of ABC Classic FM’s Game Show), plus local soprano Michelle Der Kinderen and one of Bellingen’s favourite violinist’s Lachlan Wilkins.

As we wait for the return of our beloved Memorial Hall, Muse is delighted to explore the acoustic wonders of St Margaret’s Anglican Church. On Friday the virtuosic violins of Courtney Cleary and Adam Chalabi are followed by a concert featuring the harp and guitar of Emily Granger and Andrew Blanch. On Saturday the full splendour of five acapella voices will fill the vaulted ceiling when Vocal Detour sings ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’.

Friday night at 5 Church St is set to be a unique night of music, food and the spoken word as composer, multi-instrumentalist, performance poet, raconteur and ABC Classic FM Game Show host Meena Shamaly performs solo in this favourite local venue.

Saturday sees performances return to Cedar Bar where players from Ensemble Q will be joined by the Ensemble Muse Quartet to play a special program of solos, duets and ensemble favourites from the classical repertoire. Saturday night is an event not to be missed with Gai Bryant’s Caribé quintet turning the venue into a Cuban cantina, playing their Latin influenced Jazz.

What better way to finish our festival than with a concert from our beloved Bellingen Youth Orchestra, who are guaranteed to give an incredible performance. The passion, skills and commitment of the BYO players, tutors, parents, and supporters exemplifies what can be achieved by our beautiful community. This concert will include a performance by their advanced string players ‘Sinfonia’ who will be joined by some of the festival’s players.

With the assistance of Bellingen Shire Council we are able to offer a special price of $25 for tickets to our after party. This is the opportunity for locals, visitors, performers and festival goers to kick up their heels and celebrate. This party will be driven by the Caribbean and Latin sounds of performers from Caribe. The music will expect you to bring your dancing shoes.

See www.bellingenmuse.com.au for the full program. Multiple concert passes available.