Orpheus Music proudly presents

The Australasian Recorder Festival 2026

January 11-16 Armidale NSW Australia

with Opening Concert on the 10 of January

also the Orpheus Virtual Recorder Competition

More information coming soon

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A celebration of the recorder in all its splendour – playing, listening, exploring. A festival of full immersion for players of all ages. Six days of technique classes, ensembles and special interest topics and concerts. There will be a separate Youth Section with multiple groups for players under 30.

In addition there is the Australasian Recorder Competition which is open to soloists and ensembles. The Festival is residential and each group works with a variety of world-renowned tutors throughout the week.

"What would a year be without a week in January in Armidale, dedicated to playing recorder intensively with fellow recorder addicts at the wonderful Orpheus Recorder Boutique? Orpheus Recorder Boutiques are a very rich experience for so many of us, where we can immerse ourselves in the joys of learning, music-making and team-work, with like-minded people who quickly become lasting friends. Orpheus Music also sells a fabulous range of recorders of all sizes, to suit every pocket, and music from the earliest times to the ultra-modern, to suit recorder players at every level, whether playing solo or in a group of any conceivable size. A veritable treasure trove! Thanks so much to Zana, Peter and Alexandra for their expertise and patience in providing advice and help." (Vanessa Elwell-Gavins, Hervey Bay, QLD)

Festival enrolments are open June 1. In the meantime we suggest you join our Gecko newsletter by clicking here to keep up to date.

Special early Bird discount from 1-7 June

More information coming soon

Tutors - for more info about each tutor click here.

	Susanne Frochlich (GER)		Chris Orton (UK)
	Anna Stegmann (GER)		Rodney Waterman (VIC)
	Alana Blackburn (NSW)		Joanne Arnott (NSW)
	Brendan O'Donnell (SA)	More tutors to be announce soon!

DESCRIPTION

About the Festival: Six days of full immersion for players of all ages. The Festival will be made up of technique classes, ensembles both large and small, special interest topics and concerts. Each group will be a balanced and fully functional small ensemble that caters to each individual's needs, and each group will work with a variety of tutors throughout the week.

There will be a separate Youth Section with multiple groups for players under 30. Full board is available on campus - also available for unaccompanied minors (age 11 yrs and older).

ELIGIBILITY

All participants need to be comfortable with both C and F fingerings from tier 2 onwards (I.e. must be able to read for and play descant/tenor and treble). For more info on the tiers please click here.

VENUE

Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC),15-57 Crest Rd, Armidale NSW 2350

Full board will be available on site as well as catering for those staying off site.

Fullboard includes all meals and accommodation on campus from Saturday 11th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 18th January morning (includes breakfast). All beds in dormitory are private with a cubicle and curtain, bed and desk. All accommodation includes bedding and linen. BYO pillow. All accommodation use shared bathrooms. Full board is also available for unaccompanied minors (age 11 yrs and older) who will be looked after by a House Mother and supervised in non class times.

HOW TO GET TO ARMIDALE

Armidale is situated half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Tableland. It is an education centre and the home of the University of New England. Both Qantas and Rex fly from Sydney to Armidale and Fly Corporate flies from Brisbane to Armidale. There is a daily train service from Sydney to Armidale. For Under 18s, Orpheus Music will arrange to pickup participants from either Airport or Train station. As the Accommodation is on site, there would be no further transport needs whilst at the course.

GROUPS AND SET WORKS

For the Festival a maximum of 6 set works will be required. Around the end of August, participants will be organised by the tutors into groups according to standard and balance of instruments and repertoire will be selected that best suits each level. Each participant will receive a list of set works along with a part allocation in late September If you have not attended an Orpheus Recorder course, you will be contacted to discuss your playing level.

How are participants allocated a group?

This process takes place over several months and includes the following:

1. Tutor feedback. At the end of each course the tutors give feedback about their technique class as to whether each participant was in the correct level in relation to their group colleagues or whether they could go up or down.

2. Participants own evaluation of their playing standard in the application process (with reference to the Tiers described below)

3. Participants that have not previously attended are contacted by telephone and their experience/playing level is discussed. Tutors that may have had previous experience with a player new to our course are asked for their perspectives.

4. After the groups have been formed in their initial draft form, further input is sought from the tutors once they are able to view each group as a whole.

Tiered system of progressions and expectations

Note that there could be multiple groups within each tier depending on who enrols.

For full information on tier system please click here.

Tier 1: can play one instrument or fingering type (that is, either C [descant] or F [treble]) within a range of 1 and a half octaves, preferably having learnt for at least a year. You are keen to learn to play an alternative fingering during the course. This level only runs if there is enough interest.

Tier 2: All participants need to be comfortable with both C and F fingerings. You must be able to read for and play descant/tenor and treble. You may be keen to learn to play bass during the course.

Tier 3: In addition to Tier 2 requirements, you can play the bass recorder and are prepared to play it when requested (unless you have physical restrictions). You are keen to learn to read treble up the octave.

Tier 4: In addition to Tier 2 and 3 requirements requirements you will be required to have your own bass recorder with you at all times, and can read treble up the octave and bass in the treble clef.

Tier 5: In addition to Tier 2, 3 and 4 requirements, you will prepare your set works to a high standard and are prepared to play them in masterclass style sessions.

NB. If you feel you fit outside of these groups or unsure where you should place yourself please include this information when you enrol.

SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS

Participants will have the options of selecting 2 special interest topics to do during the festival. Participants will select their options around November when our complete programme has been finalized. The list of special topics this year will be:

• • • Musica Poetica An illustrated lecture

    • A Medieval Political intrigue: The Tale of an Ambitious Horse

    • Folk songs, pudding pies and a Viennese whirl: A festival of sight-reading

    • Arranging Music for Recorder Ensemble

    • Mastering the Bass Recorder

    • Introduction to Dalcroze Eurhythmics 'Stepping into Music'

    • It don't mean a thing: Playing with swing (and all that jazz)

    • Form, Texture and Style - Form, Texture and Style

    • Incidental Music and the Role of the Recorder

    • Practice makes perfect?

    • Backing tracks and sounds decks, microphones and live effects

    • Low consort (tenor through to contrabass) - Intermediate to advanced levels

CONCERTS

A part of the festival there will be a variety Blackboard concerts and a final concert which are all included in the festival fee. Visitors, friends and family are welcome to attend these Blackboard and Final concerts at no additional cost. There will also be a series of three special of Festival Concerts that include the Opening Concert which participants can either select when they enrol or pay on the night. Entry free for 18 and under. The Concert Pass is for these three concerts - the Opening Concert by the tutors, and two other professional concerts.

TRADE DISPLAY

Largest range of recorder sheet music, recorders and accessories in the Southern Hemisphere available throughout the Festival. The display will be open from the 9th to the 16th of January. For those who are coming early as part of the Pre-festival Pass to watch the competition finals, coming a day or two earlier will allow a relaxed browsing opportunity.

FESTIVAL TOWN DINNER

On the final day of the Australasian Recorder Festival and after the final concert there is a Town Dinner. This will be held at the Armidale Bowling Club.

ENROLMENT DUE DATE

Bookings open on June 1 2025 which includes and early bird period ( 1-7 of June) and bookings close 31 August. For late enrolments please contact Orpheus Music to check if there are places remaining. We recommend enrolling early to guarantee a place at the festival.

FAQ

Looking for more information about the festival? Click here for FAQ.

COSTS for 2026

REFUNDS FOR THE AUSTRALASIAN RECORDER FESTIVAL:

50% refund if withdrawing before 15 September 2025;

25% refund if withdrawing before 11.59pm on 15 November 2025;

No refund after 12.01am 16 November 2025.

NB - it is recommended that participants consider taking out insurance in case you are unable to attend at the last minute.

INSURANCE:

To ensure a smooth and worry-free experience at the Australasian Recorder Festival, it's highly advisable to secure insurance coverage. Contacting travel insurance companies familiar with educational trips can be beneficial, given the festival's focus on learning and skill development. Providing details about the event's educational aspects, expert tutors, and structured program can help insurance providers understand the need for coverage, potentially avoiding disappointment due to unforeseen circumstances.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING:

Everyone's health and wellbeing is important to us. As wind players, we understand the importance of caution, especially amidst health concerns. Therefore, we kindly ask that anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, regardless of whether it may be related to COVID-19 or not, refrains from attending classes, concerts, or congregating in shared spaces until they have fully recovered. While we acknowledge the disappointment of missing out on festival activities, we deeply appreciate your cooperation in prioritizing the collective health and safety of our community. Additionally, we strongly advise all attendees to undergo a COVID-19 test at the festival's outset and again on Wednesday morning, aiming to mitigate any potential impact of positive cases.