SXS Chamber Music Festival

Building on the esteemed legacy of the Bangalow Music Festival, the SXS Chamber Music Festival continues to set the benchmark for chamber music excellence in Australia. Presented by the Southern Cross Soloists (SXS), this festival celebrates the finest in chamber music, uniting virtuosic musicians, and world-class programming in an immersive and intimate setting.

The festival proudly carries forward the legacy of the Bangalow Music Festival, which was founded in 2001 and became nationally recognised for its exceptional artistic standards, innovative programming, and commitment to musical storytelling. The first festival was held in 2002 and was presented annually. In 2021, as part of a refined artistic vision and to highlight its intimate focus on chamber music, the festival was renamed the Bangalow Chamber Music Festival. This change reinforced its dedication to showcasing small ensemble performances of the highest calibre, while still maintaining its tradition of innovation and musical excellence. The festival was cancelled two years running due to the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The festival was nominated twice for a prestigious national APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence in a Regional Area, (19th BCMF 2022 and 20th BCMF 2023) solidifying its reputation as one of Australia’s premier chamber music festivals.

The inaugural Bangalow Music Festival was presented in 2002 by Southern Cross Soloists, Byron Music Society, and the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce. 

Since 2002 the Bangalow Chamber Music Festival has presented over 825 artists performing in more than 270 concerts for a combined audience of over 80,000! In 2004, Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe described it as, “the most exciting festival, outside a capital city, that I have ever attended”.

In 2023, the festival celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an exceptional program.

In 2024, the Bangalow Chamber Music Festival was shut permanently with the intention to rehome to Queensland. A taster event of what was to come - The Soloists' Mountain Showcase 2024 - was delivered in Tamborine Mountain, Queensland in 2024 receiving great attendances and a stellar 5-Star Review from Dr Gemma Regan for Limelight Magazine.

2001    Founded
2002    1st Bangalow Music Festival    
2003    2nd Bangalow Music Festival
2004    3rd Bangalow Music Festival
2005    4th Bangalow Music Festival
2006    5th Bangalow Music Festival
2007    6th Bangalow Music Festival 
2008    7th Bangalow Music Festival
2009    8th Bangalow Music Festival
2010    9th Bangalow Music Festival
2011    10th Bangalow Music Festival
2012    11th Bangalow Music Festival
2013    12th Bangalow Music Festival
2014    13th Bangalow Music Festival
2015    14th Bangalow Music Festival
2016    15th Bangalow Music Festival
2017    16th Bangalow Music Festival
2018    17th Bangalow Music Festival
2019    18th Bangalow Music Festival (APRA AMCOS AWARD NOMINATED)
2020    COVID cancellation
2021    COVID cancellation
2022    19th Bangalow Chamber Music Festival (APRA AMCOS AWARD NOMINATED)
2023    20th Bangalow Chamber Music Festival
2024    Relocated to Queensland “SXS Mountain Showcase”, Tamborine Mountain
2025    21st SXS Chamber Music Festival Aug 22-24

Artistic Leadership & Vision
Throughout its history, the festival has been shaped by outstanding Artistic Directors, whose vision and leadership have defined its identity:

•    Tim Munro (current Festival Director 2025)
•    Tania Frazer (Artistic Director, tenure from 2011 – 2020)
•    Paul Dean (Founding Artistic Director, 2001 – 2010)

Their dedication to artistic excellence, diverse programming, and fostering emerging talent has ensured the festival's reputation as a premier cultural event in Australia.

International Artists & Critical Acclaim
Over the years, the festival has welcomed an extraordinary roster of international artists, including violinist Jack Liebeck (UK), baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes (NZ/Australia), didgeridoo William Barton (Australia), clarinettist Dimitri Ashkenazy (Switzerland/Iceland), pianist Piers Lane (UK/Australia), oboist Diana Doherty (Australia), soprano Greta Bradman (Australia), conductor Christopher Dragon (UK) and flutist Marina Piccinini (USA). These world-class musicians, alongside Australia’s leading soloists and ensembles, have contributed to the festival’s dynamic and adventurous programming.

The festival has also been widely celebrated in the media, earning glowing reviews from major publications such as The Australian, Limelight Magazine, The Courier Mail, and The Sydney Morning Herald. Critics have praised its "breathtaking musicianship", "bold and imaginative programming," and "an atmosphere that combines intimacy with artistic brilliance." "This festival shone, in a welcome, gimmick-free celebration of really good music." Limelight Magazine has described it as “one of the country’s most captivating chamber music experiences”, while The Australian noted its "rare ability to blend the classical tradition with innovative contemporary works." The QWeekend wrote “An extremely charming event featuring amazing talent. Put me down for next year. I’m there.”

A Nationally Recognised Festival with Dedicated Patronage
Beyond its critical acclaim, the festival has built a loyal and growing audience base. Over the years, it has attracted devoted patrons from across Australia, with music lovers regularly traveling from interstate—including Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond—to experience its world-class performances. This national reach has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s most cherished regional music festivals, bringing together a diverse and passionate audience of chamber music enthusiasts.

Recognised as festival patron, media personality Peter Thompson emphasised the importance of such events to local communities and younger generations. His dedication to the arts and commitment to fostering chamber music in Australia played a key role in the festival’s longevity and impact.

A New Chapter in Tamborine Mountain
In 2023, after more than two decades of unforgettable performances in Bangalow, New South Wales, the festival announced it would be relocating to Tamborine Mountain, Queensland. The move was driven by a desire to expand artistic possibilities, reach new audiences, and establish a fresh Queensland cultural hub for chamber music in an equally stunning regional setting. Now known as the SXS Chamber Music Festival, the event continues its tradition of excellence while embracing new creative directions in 2025 with the 21st SXS Chamber Music Festival taking place in August.

With an exciting blend of classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and ground-breaking collaborations, the festival continues to captivate audiences while fostering the next generation of Australian talent. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tamborine Mountain, it remains a cultural beacon, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers and artists alike.

Join us as we celebrate the evolution of this extraordinary festival and its multi award-nominated legacy. From August 22 – August 24, 2025, the 21st SXS Chamber Music Festival will take place on Tamborine Mountain, a place of outstanding natural beauty.