Community
3 October, 2025
Next generation of musicians to shine
THE Port Fairy Spring Music Festival Children’s Chorus is set to take centre stage in the closing gala, ‘Eva’ on Sunday, October 12.
The children will take to the stage at the Reardon Theatre from 3.30pm.
Under the direction of festival co-artistic director Stefan Cassomenos, the chorus represents the festival’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing enriching opportunities for the next generation of musicians.
The Children’s Chorus is one of several youth-focused initiatives at this year’s festival, which also includes student masterclasses and the Dreamcrafters showcase for emerging artists.
‘Dreamcrafters: Emerging Artists of Southwest Victoria’ can be enjoyed on Saturday, October 11 at 5.30pm, where VCE music students from the western district will take to the stage at the Lecture Hall, Sackville Street, Port Fairy.
Across the weekend, visiting guest artists will lead six masterclasses (open to the public), giving local students the chance to learn from some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Audiences are encouraged to attend and support the students as they develop their craft.
Masterclasses will be as follows:
Saturday, October 11 – 11.30am strings with Molly Kadarauch; 3.30pm sound swarms workshop with Charles MacInnes 3.30pm.
Sunday, October 12 – 9.30am piano with Kym Alexandra Dillon; 10.30am woodwind with Francesco Celata; 12.45pm vocal with Dermot Tutty.
Monday, October 13 – 5.30pm brass with Charles MacInness (Warrnambool).
Festival co-director Stefan Cassomenos said these opportunities were central to the festival’s mission.
“We’re proud to support our community’s young people, not only by giving them the chance to perform, but also to learn directly from leading artists,” he said.
For tickets to the festival, and to find out more about the masterclasses, visit www.portfairyspringfest.com.au.
