Celebrating 30 Years of Music, Heritage and Community:

THIS January, the Ballarat region will once again come alive with the sound of music as the Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival celebrates an impressive milestone — 30 years of bringing exceptional musical experiences to the Victorian Goldfields.

What began as a visionary idea to showcase the region’s historic organs has grown into one of regional Victoria’s most cherished summer cultural events.

As the festival enters its third decade, it also welcomes a new artistic director: internationally respected viola da gamba player and long-time festival collaborator Laura Vaughan.

For Vaughan, stepping into this role is both an honour and a responsibility she carries with deep respect.

“I feel privileged to continue this extraordinary tradition,” she said.

“Sergio de Pieri and Judith Houston have created something truly special for our community, and I am humbled to follow in their footsteps.”

The 2026 festival promises five uplifting days of music from 9-13 January across Ballarat, Creswick and Clunes, offering audiences the chance to experience world-class performances in some of the region’s most atmospheric and historically significant venues.

From the soaring grandeur of St Patrick’s Cathedral to the intimate charm of Creswick and Clunes’ heritage churches and halls, the festival invites audiences to hear music as it was originally intended – in spaces built to resonate with sound, craftsmanship and community spirit.

One of the enduring strengths of the festival is its variety. Lovers of beloved classical repertoire will be drawn to performances such as the contemplative beauty of Bach’s cello suites or the luminous joy of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, performed by internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist Jerry Wong, Head of Keyboard at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Audiences can step into the evocative world of 17th-century France in Versailles in Love, travel eastward along the Silk Road with Persian storytelling, shadow puppets and Classical Persian music, or experience the rare and velvety sound world of rare Renaissance wind instruments — the curtal and the rackett — performed by Unholy Rackett, a specialist ensemble seldom heard live.

And, true to the festival’s origins, the magnificent 19th-century organs of the region remain front and centre. Celebrated organists include Rhys Boak, Donald Nicolson, and rising young artist Jack Stacey.

Vaughan’s first program as artistic director reflects both reverence and renewal: a continuation of the festival’s beloved traditions alongside fresh artistic voices and new musical pathways.

“My hope is that audiences feel the joy, curiosity and connection that music brings,” she said. “This festival is for everyone…”

For the full program and tickets, visit ballaratfestival.com.

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