Warren musician Frances Evans’ passion for bringing world class music to her corner of NSW has been recognised, having been named a finalist in the national APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards for excellence in a regional area.

The Art Music Awards acknowledge the achievements of composers, performers and educators, and are a coup for Mrs Evans’ work with the Warren Chamber Music Festival (WCMF) where she is both artistic director and violinist.

“My name is listed on the award but I'm counting it as an award in general for our festival's incredible efforts to bring inspiring, empowering and educational concerts to rural NSW,” Mrs Evans said. 

“Our committee including John Burke, Marieanne Noonan, Phil Leman, Rod Sandell and myself have put together great ideas that have worked for our audiences and for the musicians,” she said. 

The Festival includes world class concerts, workshops and school performances.

Mrs Evans said it was an honour to be acknowledged in the national APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards. “Congratulations to all the finalists in the category Award for Excellence in Regional Area. I look forward to the award ceremony in Melbourne next month and to representing the Warren Chamber Music Festival and our town,” said Mrs. Evans. 

Regional migration hits the high notes

Frances and husband Nick who is also a musician (pictured above), moved back to the region leaving behind their city life and the orchestras they were a part, and in doing so have immersed themselves into country life by creating opportunities for rural musicians and music enthusiasts. 

“Our first festival took place in 2021 when coincidentally a window opened up where no COVID restrictions were in place. Attendance was high and the performances were breathtaking.”  

The following year was a big year for the group with the foundation of a Warren Shire choir named ‘SING Warren’.  

“SING Warren meets so many needs in so many ways for people living in the rural area. The wellbeing benefits for many of our members has articulated and the encouragement it has given them to make music and make it more often has been touching,” she said. 

“In 2022, we did a follow up with an enthralling visit from Sydney's Ensemble Offspring. Then in 2023 we had another major festival event with the Goldner String Quartet and friends.”  

Despite only having five committee members, Mrs Evans said their enthusiasm knows no bounds and together they have attracted opportunities beyond their wildest dreams. 

“The WCMF is committed to providing unique and lovable programs that will entertain and inspire our audiences. We are equally committed to providing truly rural hospitality and services experiences for our guest musicians. There is plenty to celebrate in our region and all past musicians have loved it and always request a return visit,” said Mrs Evans.  

“It has been an extremely rewarding experience to work with some of the country's most treasured musicians and composers to facilitate world class concerts in the Warren Shire. I love my corner of rural New South Wales and I love to celebrate Australian music with our special audiences,” she said. 

“Huge thanks must go to Fiona Loader for the nomination of the Warren Chamber Music Festival. Fiona is a brilliant composer and has collaborated with WCMF on no less than two occasions.... but really three. Ensemble Offspring performed her popular work 'Lorikeet Corroboree' in Warren in 2022.”  

Mrs Evans says a special thanks must also go to performers who have been out to Warren to perform including Australian Vocal Ensemble - AVÉ, and the Goldner String Quartet.

Big plans for 2025

The WCMF is busy with plans for 2025 where Australian Composer Anne Cawrse will create a new work for the festival for Clarinet Quartet and string Orchestra – the first of its kind in the nation’s history.  

The work will be premiered on May 2, 2025 in the Nevertire Memorial Hall by renowned Clarinettist’s Lloyd Van’t Hoff, Justin Beere, Alexander Morris and Nick Evans.