DUNEDIN YOUTH CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026
A new opportunity for young chamber musicians
The Dunedin Youth Chamber Music Festival (DYCMF) is a new initiative presented under the umbrella and auspices of the Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust, in association with the University of Otago School of Performing Arts. Heleen du Plessis is the founder and Artistic Director of the Dunedin Youth Chamber Music Festival. She conceived the initiative and led its development from initial concept to realisation, shaping its artistic, educational and organisational direction.
The festival is supported by the HTowers Charitable Trust, with Bruce Hodgson, Patron,
Dunedin Concerto Competition, as Patron.
Applications are now closed
10–13 December 2026 | University of Otago, Ōtepoti Dunedin
Applicants will be informed on Friday 23 October
A new opportunity for young chamber musicians
The four-day festival brings talented young musicians together in Ōtepoti Dunedin for intensive music-making, collaboration and performance. Participants will work with leading performers and teachers to develop their musicianship, ensemble and performance skills, while connecting with other young musicians who share their enthusiasm for music.
There is no participation fee, and travel and accommodation support will be available for selected participants travelling from outside Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Applications are open nationally to advanced young instrumentalists who:
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are in Year 11 or above, including tertiary-level music students; and
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are performing at approximately Grade 7 level or above, or an equivalent standard.
You can apply:
As an individual
You will be matched with other selected musicians to form an ensemble.
As a pre-formed chamber group
Existing ensembles are welcome to apply together.
All applicants must complete an individual application and submit a short audition video.
What will the Festival include?
Over four days, participants will experience:
🎵 Chamber music rehearsals
🎓 Four ensemble coaching sessions
💬 Workshops on ensemble skills and communication
🎼 Effective rehearsal methods
🧘 Performance, posture and breathing sessions
🎻 Performance opportunities and feedback
🎶 Festival Faculty Concert
🎤 Festival Showcase Concert
🤝 Social activities and meeting other young musicians
The programme is designed to provide participants with different perspectives on chamber music, with each ensemble working with more than one member of the festival faculty.
Festival Faculty
Associate Professor Heleen du Plessis — Cello
Professor Terence Dennis — Piano
Tessa Petersen — Violin
Tom McGrath — Piano
Helen Lee — Viola
Festival Programme:
Thursday 10 December
Festival Faculty Concert
7.30 pm | Marama Hall
Friday 11 December
Workshops • Rehearsals • Coaching • Posture & Breathing
Saturday 12 December
Rehearsals • Coaching • Chamber Performances & Feedback
Sunday 13 December
Festival Showcase Concert
3.00 pm | Marama Hall
The detailed programme is provisional and may be adjusted.
Important information
Dates: 10–13 December 2026
Venue: University of Otago, Ōtepoti Dunedin
Participation fee: Free
Travel and Accommodation support: Available for selected participants travelling from outside Dunedin
Applications are closed. Applicants will be informed on Friday 23 October about their participation.
For under-18 applicants, parent/guardian consent will be required.
Be part of the inaugural Dunedin Youth Chamber Music Festival!
10–13 December 2026 | Ōtepoti Dunedin
