The 22nd SXS Chamber Music Festival offers something no technology can replicate: the shared experience of live performance.
Just weeks remain until internationally acclaimed artists gather on Tamborine Mountain for one of Australia’s most distinctive cultural weekends, where extraordinary music, breathtaking scenery and genuine community connection come together on the mountain.
Presented by Southern Cross Soloists, the three-day festival returns to the stunning Shambala Estate from August 14–16, inviting audiences to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the power of live music.
This year’s festival theme, Safe in Sound, explores family, belonging and human connection – ideas that feel increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.
Through music spanning centuries, audiences will experience stories of friendship, artistic collaboration, memory, and shared humanity performed by some of Australia’s finest musicians alongside internationally celebrated guest artists.
Leading the 2026 festival are internationally recognised artists including beloved Australian soprano Sara Macliver, Finnish-Australian cellist and Australian Chamber Orchestra Principal Timo-Veikko Valve, acclaimed pianist Aura Go, the celebrated Lyrebird Trio, together with Southern Cross Soloists Artistic Director and three-time Grammy Award winner Tim Munro, and internationally renowned clarinetist Ashley Smith.
Mr Tim Munro said the festival celebrates the things that make live music irreplaceable.
“At its heart, Safe in Sound is about people coming together. Live music creates moments that simply cannot be streamed, generated or replicated. It’s about listening together, breathing together, and finding connection through sound.”
Beyond its internationally acclaimed performances, the SXS Chamber Music Festival continues its strong commitment to accessibility, affordability and community participation.
A series of free and low-cost community events ensures everyone can be part of the festival experience.
Audiences can enjoy the opening Coming Together concert featuring the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra, local school musicians and a world premiere by Australian composer Monash Salla; the family friendly Meet the Instruments experience for young audiences; free artist talks; the vibrant Community Folk Music Night at Fortitude Brewing Co and immersive events including sound healing and the festival’s much-loved Secret Concert.
Tickets are available now, with single concerts and festival passes offering an affordable opportunity to experience some of Australia’s finest musicians live.
For bookings and more information, visit sxsfestival.com.
