The second biannual Warren Chamber Music Festival took place last weekend, featuring a three-concert program and culminating in a Mother’s Day performance at the Warren Catholic Church.

Organised by Warren musician Frances Evans and the WCMF committee, each event attracted large audiences comprising both chamber music enthusiasts and those curious to experience it for the first time.

“It was really fun planning the program for this, our second year, and I was so excited to be part of such a quality event for our region,” Ms Evans said.

With her infectious enthusiasm and contacts in the music industry, Ms Evans was able to attract one of Australia’s most treasured string quartets, Goldner String Quartet to headline the festival, along with special guests Peter Clark (violin), Katie Yap (violin) and Alexandra Partridge (cello) who first came to Warren for the 2021 festival.

Each concert was different, with all including works by Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Weber and Vivaldi, amongst others, and introduced by principal violinist Dene Olding. 

 Principal violinist Dene Olding with Warren SING soloist Emma Cant in the background. Photo Belinda Dimarzio-Bryan.

Friday’s opening event was held at the new Warren Art Gallery and Museum and began with a pre-concert chat with violinist Peter Clark.

“Pre-concert chats are great because you can learn things about the music, and understand what to listen for, before the musicians even strike a string!” Ms Evans said.

On Saturday RiverSmart hosted a market day at the Window on the Wetlands Centre on the Oxley Highway, with food, refreshments, a large range of stalls and live music.

With the festival attracting many to town for the weekend, and perfect autumn weather, the markets were well attended.

Frances Evans (middle) performing with the Goldner String Quartet and special guests Peter Clark (violin), Katie Yap (violin) and Alexandra Partridge (cello) at Collie Hall.

In the evening the festival moved to Collie, with a concert in the CWA Hall.

Peter Clark delivered an entertaining pre-concert chat beforehand at the Collie Hotel, much to the bemusement of some of the regular patrons!

A highlight of the program was local farmer (and Frances’ husband) Nick Evans accompanying on the clarinet, eliciting a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

Sunday’s concert at Warren Catholic Church included two pieces by community choir Warren SING, members of which were received enthusiastically when they performed in the same venue close to a month ago.

“I am still pinching myself after this weekend of amazing music. Thank you to all involved- the incredible musicians, choir members, WCMF committee and of course the enthusiastic audiences in Collie and Warren. See you in 2025!”