A concert of firsts - the first of the cycle of Beethoven's five cello sonatas presented throughout the Festival, the first of our four world premieres, and the first set of luscious Schumann miniatures, which are also dotted throughout the Festival. Added to that we have Denes Varjon’s first chamber music performance in New Zealand - we are proud to have secured this exceptional artist.

Ashley Brown (cello), Sarah Watkins (piano), Dene Olding (violin), Helene Pohl (violin), Dénes Varjon (piano), James Campbell (clarinet)

Beethoven - Sonata for cello and piano Op 5/1
Tabea Squire - Trio for 2 violins and piano (World Premiere)
Schumann - Fantasy Pieces for clarinet and piano

Dedicated to the Festival's Naming Sponsors, Denis and Verna Adam in appreciation of their visionary and long time support, our opening concert will sizzle from start to finish. Music from four centuries and four countries - let the magic begin!

New Zealand String Quartet, Goldner Quartet, James Campbell, Matthew Barley

Sponsored by Nelson Pine Industries
Concert dedicated to Denis and Verna Adam

The release of a Lloyd Cole career retrospective box set was the catalyst for an acclaimed series of live concerts around Europe showcasing Cole’s songs between 1983 and 1996.

Now New Zealand gets a turn with the singer/songwriter performing seven shows here from January 28 to February 5, 2017. Cole will perform in Auckland, Devonport, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Expect gems from Lloyd Cole and the Commotions albums Rattlesnakes, Easy Pieces and Mainstream, along with tracks from his first four solo albums.

Says the US-based, English singer-songwriter: "For this tour all of my set lists comprise material from 1983-1996 only. In New Zealand I’ll be joined on guitar by my son Will, and I look forward to introducing him to some of my favourite parts of the country."

An exciting evening with a mix of audience favourites and the premier performance of a new work will mark a milestone for our orchestra - our 50th year as Nelson’s Symphony Orchestra.

Conductor: John Rimmer

Reznicek: Overture Donna Diana
John Rimmer: Haiku (Premier)
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue Piano Concerto; Soloist: Buz Bryant-Greene
Michael Haydn: Trumpet concerto in D major; Soloist: Raffaele Bandoli
Sibelius: Symphony No 1
arr John Rimmer: "Happy Birthday" for wind

A concert of young and local musicians performing concertos with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra.

Programme
Genevieve Davidson, Saxophone - Glazunov Op 109
JunWha Shin, French Horn - Strauss - concerto no 1
Claudia Tarrant-Matthews, Violin - Beethoven - Concerto D min mvt 1
Caitlin Morris, Cello - Dvorak - concerto B min mvt 2
Ingrid Schonfeld, Piano - Shostakovich - concerto no 2 mvt 1
Kelly Harris, Voice - Mozart - 'Una Donna Quindicci anni' from Cosi fan Tutte
Courtney Carter, Voice - Spiel ich die unschuld vom Lande
Danny Jones, Piano - Prokofiev - concerto no 3 mvt 1
King Stephen Overture - Beethoven

Due to demand we have created a new Festival Pass category for concert lovers who wish to attend all the concerts in the festival in Premium seats. The Concert Lovers' Pass gives a $100 discount of the full price of Premium seating and includes access to complimentary events such as Meet the Artist sessions, Masterclasses and Festival conversations.

It does not include the Gala Dinner or the Up Close events

Tickets to the Gala Dinner are available now. Festival Lovers' Pass sales close on 30th September.

The Theatre Royal and festival staff will be in touch regarding seating allocation for reserved seated events.

Adam Chamber Music Festival's Gala dinner gives you a gourmet meal, fine wines, a surprise selection from the festival programme, a chance to catch up with old friends - what better way to start your Festival immersion!

New Zealand String Quartet, Goldner Quartet, James Campbell (clarinet), Matthew Barley (cello)

A surprise selection from the Festival programme.

For the most dedicated chamber music enthusiast we're again offering a Festival Pass which will give premium seat entry to all festival events (except the Gala Dinner. Tickets to the Gala Dinner are now also on sale). In addition to enjoying the best seats in the house, Festival Pass holders will enjoy two very special complimentary and exclusive events.

The first is a excursion up country to the beautiful Nelson Lakes National Park to hear English cellist Matthew Barley perform to the backdrop of mountains and lake in the Chapel by the Lake at St Arnaud. This will be followed by a sumptuous lunch at the Alpine Lodge.

The second will be a trip to the Moutere plains to hear the Goldner Quartet from Australia perform with Canadian clarinetist James Campbell in the delightful Waimea West church. This will be followed by a picnic lunch at the beautiful Neudorf Winery.

These two events are exclusive to our Festival Pass holders and Impresario Donors. As well as enjoying all the concerts and masterclasses, festival pass holders will be invited to any meet the artist social events and will be welcomed very much as part of our festival family. Festival passes can be booked online here. Festival Pass sales close on 30th September.

The Theatre Royal and festival staff will be in touch regarding seating allocation for reserved seated events.

***DUE TO HUGE DEMAND THE SECOND SHOW IS NOW ON SALE!!***

Direct from Australia, and following more than 5000 international shows, the world's premier live ABBA tribute - The ABBA Show - is coming to town!

Far from being 'just another cover band', The ABBA Show is a full-scale theatrical production featuring more than 2 hours of live musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.

Starring incredibly detailed performances from internationally acclaimed impersonators ABBAsolutely fABBAulous, The ABBA Show gives fans of all ages a chance to re-live the ABBA concert experience, celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away!

This event is the Nelson Regional Final of the Nationwide Intermediate school band competition, Rockshop Bandquest.