“From November 17 to 25, world-class chamber music concerts will fill the winery’s intimate Barrel Hall,” explained organiser and Huntington Estate owner Nicky Stevens.

“There will be abundant and exquisite food and wine served in the beautiful winery grounds before, during and after concerts. This continues late into the night under stellar skies, and over long and lazy afternoons in the shade of the trees; and the audience and artists mix freely after the concerts.”

The honey eaters sing their accompaniment from outside the hall, the stage is made of upturned wine crates and pallets, the striking back drop and acoustic magic is provided by a wall of barrels holding fine red wine as it ages (certain the good musical vibrations help), the food is locally produced and sourced, and some good old-fashioned country hospitality provides the finishing touch.

“The line-up and program for The 29th Huntington Estate Music Festival is a thrilling, youthful and vibrant mix of dazzling international talent exclusive to Huntington, and the very best Australian musicians, both established and up and coming, will be performing a varied and exciting program of chamber music,” Nicky said.

The Festival begins this weekend and includes two free events for the local community, ticketed concerts include the full music, food and wine experience and start at $180 for the Opening Night.

“Huntington Estate has always shared its love for music by providing free and subsidised tickets to local musicians young and old, and hosting a dedicated family concert,” she added.

Over the last two years, following a year of research and community engagement in 2016, Huntington has invested significantly in the Mudgee region’s young musicians through the Huntington Music Development Program funded by Festival audience contributions, via the Ensemble Challenge.

The goal is to provide ensemble playing and performance opportunities to musicians under the age of 25 who call Mudgee home; to inspire, coach and encourage their passion for music.   

Working with local music teachers, world class musicians such as Dene Olding OA (Concert Master Emeritus of the Sydney Symphony) and leading music educators like Mark Walton OA (former Head of performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music) as mentors and program leaders, the selected young musicians have been coached throughout the year through a number of workshops and regular rehearsals culminating in a performance on stage at the Music Festival.

“While 2017 had more of an ‘elite’ focus, with participants who were already accomplished musicians, the 2018 program has concentrated on less experienced musicians, with a long term goal to develop and support these young people to continue to love, play and learn their chosen instruments,” Nicky continued.

“We commissioned Mark Walton to write the Huntington Suite tailored to the combination of instruments and skills of our ten musicians ranging in age from ten to 15 years old, and in levels from Preliminary to Grade 6/7 and recruited 2017 Ensemble Challenge alumna Emma McCarthy North to lead the ensemble. Mark, Emma and local music teachers have worked tirelessly with the children over the year to get it performance ready.

"The world premiere of the Huntington Suite will be on Sunday, from 5pm in the Barrel Hall at the Huntington Estate Family Concert.

“The Music Festival is unique, internationally renowned, and attracts people from all around Australia and overseas. Mudgee, music, food and wine combine to make magic. Come and experience it for yourself.”