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:

• are in Year 11 or above, including tertiary-level music students; and

• 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:

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🎵 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

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Associate Professor Heleen du Plessis — Cello
Professor Terence Dennis — Piano
Tessa Petersen — Violin
Tom McGrath — Piano
Helen Lee — Viola 

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Festival Programme:

 

Thursday 10 December

Festival Faculty Concert
7.30 pm | Marama Hall

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Friday 11 December

Workshops • Rehearsals • Coaching • Posture & Breathing

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Saturday 12 December

Rehearsals • Coaching • Chamber Performances & Feedback

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Sunday 13 December

Festival Showcase Concert
3.00 pm | Marama Hall

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The detailed programme is provisional and may be adjusted.

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Ready to apply?

Applications open Thursday 10 September 2026

Applications close Friday 16 October 2026

There is no participation fee.

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The application form includes details about your musical background and experience and requires an approximately five-minute individual audition video.

Important information

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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: 10 September – 16 October 2026

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For under-18 applicants, parent/guardian consent will be required.​

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Be part of the inaugural Dunedin Youth Chamber Music Festival!

10–13 December 2026 | Ōtepoti Dunedin

Applications close Friday 16 October

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