“Spring sings, and music is its voice.” 🌼

Anonymous

What a way to end Term 3!

As the blossoms of spring brightened Canberra, our young musicians filled Floriade with music, colour, and joy. The performance was a huge success, showcasing the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our choirs and ensembles. A special congratulations goes to our Canberra Youth Concert Band, who gave their very first public performance - and absolutely smashed it! We are so proud of every performer and grateful to the families, conductors, and volunteers who made the day possible. It was the perfect finale to Term 3, and we look forward to carrying this energy and inspiration into Term 4.

🌸 Floriade 2025 🌸

What a magical day we had at Floriade! Our performers truly rose to the occasion, filling the Floriade stage with music and creating a joyful celebration of spring. From our seasoned senior musicians to the youngest members of the Training Choir - some as little as five years old, bravely stepping on stage for their very first performance - every group gave their all and made us so proud.

Before the performance, we gathered together for a families’ picnic, and it was wonderful to see our community connecting, sharing food, and enjoying the sunshine. This sense of togetherness set the perfect tone for the afternoon. During the picnic, we also presented awards to celebrate the students who have shown great habits, commitment, and musical growth throughout the term - a lovely reminder of how hard our young people work to make their music shine.

A highlight of the concert was the debut of our brand-new Canberra Youth Concert Band, who gave their first-ever performance - and what a triumph it was! Another memorable moment came when the Canberra Youth Orchestra violas and cellos joined the Louise Butler Strings, a heart-warming example of mentoring across our programs, with older students guiding and inspiring the younger ones.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible conductors, who led the ensembles with passion and care, and our tireless volunteers, who ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.

Floriade was the perfect way to finish Term 3: a celebration not just of music, but of community, teamwork, and the joy of sharing music together.

🎶 Spring into music! 🌼

Want to join in the fun? Enrolments for Term 4 are now open!

Whether you’re dreaming of singing, playing, or making new friends, there’s a place for you in our vibrant music community.

Don’t miss out - join us and make music together!

From our partners

Canberra Eurosession Concert - 27 September

The Canberra Eurosession invites audiences to enjoy a rich soundscape of Europe through folk dance tunes that span centuries, borders, and traditions. Whether relaxing to timeless melodies, feeling the rhythms that call you to the dance floor, or being inspired to join a future session, this music welcomes everyone.

For over two years, the group has gathered at Smith’s every Monday at 4 pm to share the melodic traditions of the Council of Europe. This concert offers a unique musical journey through Europe’s dances — an experience unlike any other in Canberra.

More info here

Canberra Viola Festival long weekend Young Violists Day

Ainslie Arts Centre
Monday 6 October (Public Holiday ACT/NSW)

9 am - 1 pm to include sessions on ‘My first viola chamber music’, ‘Tech Book Triumph!’ and a Masterclass for younger players, with teacher/tutor presenters Alina Zamfir (Radford College), Tor Fromyhr (formerly ANU; Colour Strings), Robert Harris (ANZ Viola Society).

Optional small ensemble sessions* &/or individual lessons* during the Monday afternoon may be possible with tutors/presenters - registrants can email their enquiries to Robert Harris robdorit@outlook.com

Llewellyn Choir October Concerts

The Llewellyn Choir invites you to two special performances this October, featuring Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and Arvo Pärt’s The Beatitudes. The concerts will be held on Saturday 11 October at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Braidwood, and Sunday 12 October at Duntroon Chapel, Canberra.

Featuring outstanding soloists and instrumentalists — soprano Sonia Anfiloff, baritone Rohan Thatcher, cellist Clara Teniswood, and organist James Porteous — these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience.

Find more details on their website.

ACT Brass Solo and Party Championships

The inaugural ACT Brass Solo and Party Championships will be held on Saturday 2 November 2025 at St Mary MacKillop College (Padua Campus), Wanniassa. Open to brass and percussion players of all levels and ages.

Individuals and small groups (duets, trios, quartets, quintets) can perform in a supportive competition, receive adjudicator feedback from MUSN Spencer Nelson of the Australian Army Band RMC, and be eligible for awards.

Full details and entries are available at: canberrabrass.org.au

Composed by Gustav Holst in the shadow of the Great War, The Planets channels ancient astrological archetypes and Greek mythology. An iconic masterwork, it has inspired generations of renowned composers, including John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Close out the season with Holst’s The Planets – the epic orchestral suite that helped shape the sound of cinema itself. A powerful finale for our 75th year.