IT WAS a festival of Music that could alternately bring listeners to tears, give them goosebumps and make them smile.
The SXS Chamber Music Festival began in Bangalow, New South Wales, but the journey to the beautiful Shambala Estate on Tamborine Mountain could not be more appropriate.
Curated by Tim Munro and opened by the Minister for Education and the Arts, John Paul Langbroek, the festival featured artists such as Slava and Sharon Grigoryan, Alexandra Flood, Orava Quartet, Liam Viney, violinist Margaret Blades and clarinettist Ashley Smith.
When opening the Festival, Minister Langbroek announced ongoing funding for the next four years of $154,000 per year.
Festival General Manager Maxine Williamson was thrilled with the first iteration of the 21st SXS Chamber Music Festival 2025 on Tamborine Mountain.
“It exceeded our expectations and we can’t wait to deliver the twenty-second edition on August 14-16, 2026 in association with Shambala Estate,” she said.
“Our gratitude to the many volunteers from the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra adding to the success of our festival. Deep appreciation to the artists and all who attended.”
Over the course of the festival, 898 tickets were sold, attracting people from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast.
A collaborative concert with Tamborine Mountain Orchestra also sold 100 tickets and workshops with Tamborine Mountain College saw 176 students engage with the event.
Ms Williamson thanked Scenic Rim Regional Council for their support.
Shambala Estate provided a stunning backdrop for the festival, with many Instagramable locations in the beautiful gardens surrounding the estate.
Mr Munro mentioned said that the collaboration between the festival and Tamborine Mountain Orchestra added a new layer, with TMO members volunteering throughout the weekend.
Early Bird festival passes for 2026 will go on sale soon.
