Events
We present a program of events open to the public where visiting artists of national standing are brought to Dubbo throughout the year. We also hold other events including student and staff concerts, school events, Open Days, and a range of workshops and masterclasses.
All events are held at Macquarie Conservatorium, located at the corner of Darling and Bultje Street in Dubbo, unless advertised otherwise.
Tickets can be purchased online for all concerts and other selected events.
Acacia Quartet
Forming in 2010, Acacia Quartet are one of Australia’s most respected string ensembles.
Having recorded twelve albums, Acacia is known for presenting versatile and inventive programs which prominently feature Australia’s leading composers. Nominated for an APRA-AMCOS Art Music 'Award for Excellence' (2013), and Aria Music Awards ‘Best Classical Album’, twice (2013 and 2020), Acacia are renowned recording artists with their recordings regularly featured on radio around the world.
The Acacia Quartet - violinists Lisa Stewart and Doreen Cumming, violist Stefan Duwe and cellist Anna Martin-Scrase - is renowned for their versatile and inventive programs, performing at Sydney Opera House, City Recital Hall Sydney, Melbourne Recital Hall, as well as touring through regional NSW and Victoria. Internationally, Acacia had their international debut in Vancouver, Canada at the Roundhouse in June 2016 and have since followed up with performances in Europe.
Acacia is passionate about supporting young musicians and are proud to share their love of music with audiences of all ages.
When: Friday 23 May 2025 – 7.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: Adult: $35 | Concession: $25 | School Student: $10 | Family of 4: $70
(+$1 booking fee per ticket charged by 123Tix)
Book online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Acacia Quartet - Workshop
When: Saturday 24 May 2025 – 12.00pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: Workshop: $10 per Participant
(+$1 booking fee per ticket charged by 123Tix)
Book online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Emma Pask - Vocal Workshop
All vocalists have the opportunity to join Emma Pask in a workshop where they can immerse themselves into the world of jazz, life on stage, and all that comes with being a full-time artist.
Award winning vocalist Emma Pask has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s favourite voices in Jazz.
Her effortless honest stage presence combined with her powerful vocal ability, leaves audiences spellbound and inspired whenever she takes to the stage.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Sunday 25 May 2025 – 2.30pm – 3.30pm
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: Workshop Participant: $10
Book online
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Emma Pask Concert
Award winning Australian vocalist Emma Pask is heading to Dubbo!
Emma is sure to delight as she interweaves storytelling through timeless swinging jazz standards, upbeat Latin rhythms, tender ballads and of course some raucous blues.
A chance to catch one of Australia’s finest voices up close and personal in the beautifully intimate setting of Voice and Piano.
Emma will be joined by the incomparable Kevin Hunt on piano. Kevin is a leading player on the Australian Jazz scene and has been since the late 70's.
Having been an integral part of the Don Burrows band for many years, along with fronting his own trio, Emma finds Kevin's unique approach to the Piano fascinating,
and with his incredibly supportive accompaniment both Emma and Kevin have the chance to shine individually yet complement each other perfectly.
When: Sunday 25 May 2025 – 7.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets:
Adult: $35 | Concession: $25 | School Student: $10 | Family of 4: $70
(+$1 booking fee per ticket charged by 123Tix)
Book online
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Sydney Symphony Orchestra - PlayerLink
Playerlink
For Students Years 5–12
Playerlink helps students take their skills up a notch in a fun and engaging way. Applications open in Term 1, 2025.
This workshop is a three-day event, all three dates must be attended by participants. The dates below indicate the start time of each day. Starting times may change closer to the event.
Three days of nothing but music. The ultimate bootcamp for young talent, Playerlink brings together aspiring music students from across NSW for a series of masterclasses and workshops led by Sydney Symphony musicians. Learn what it takes to perform like a professional, whilst being a part of some great music experiences.
Pricing & Booking Information
Dates: Friday 8 August – Sunday 10 August 2025
Venue: Macquarie Conservatorium, Dubbo
Pricing: The cost for participation in this event is $180 per student. Families sending more than one child can take advantage of a discounted rate of $150 for each additional child.
Application Requirements
Applications are by audition video. Open to student musicians from Years 5 to 12 (aged 10 to 18) who play the following orchestral instruments to the approximate Grade level or above.
Applications open in Term 1, 2025
More information visit: https://www.sydneysymphony.com/concerts/playerlink-2025
Linda Gilbert – Concert Violinist
Australian-born international violinist Linda Gilbert is set to showcase an exciting selection of masterpieces. Don't miss the opportunity to witness Linda's performance in this intimate setting.
Program
JS Bach - Adagio and Fugue solo G minor sonata
Mozart - Concerto No.4 1st movement
Paganini - Caprice No.13
Franck - Sonata in A major
Intermission
Prokofiev - Concerto in D op.19 complete 3 movts
Wieniawski - Polonaise Brillante
Hubay - Carmen Fantasy
When: Saturday 5 April 2025 – concert begins 6.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets:
Adult: $35
Concession: $25
School Student: $10
Family of 4: $70
(+$1 booking fee per ticket charged by 123Tix)
Book online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Perfectly Imperfect in Dubbo
Perfectly Imperfect is a show featuring blind singer and The Voice Australia sensation Julee-anne Bell in collaboration with pianist Melissa Buchholz. The subtitle of the show is 'Songs and Stories of Life, Love and Laughter' and this sets the pretext for a warm, intimate show that gives an insight into the lives of both artists in a truly special way. The songs chosen are meaningful and well known, and will have a narrative linked to them that illustrates the attachment between these songs and the performers.
Julee-anne's sensational vocals will touch your soul and leave the audience wanting more, while Melissa's dazzling skills on the keys will equally amaze concert goers. Both ladies have lived lives that have had many challenges but they have overcome them and are living inspirations to those around them. This concert will not only entertain but will leave a lasting impression and the audience will feel uplifted and moved by this extraordinary concert.
"Perfectly Imperfect" is an exquisite production featuring Julee-ann Bell, the acclaimed blind singer and sensation from The Voice Australia, in collaboration with accomplished pianist Melissa Buchholz. Subtitled 'Songs and Stories of Life, Love and Laughter,' this intimate show offers a profound glimpse into the lives of these two extraordinary artists.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 7pm
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: Adult $30 / Concession $25 / Family of 4 $60 / School student $10
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
MultiKulture Music Camp - featuring Latin and Dominican music styles!
This workshop is also capped at 30 participants for each session
When: Thursday 6 March 2025 – 9am -3.45pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: $20 per participant
https://www.123tix.com.au/events/47338/multikulture-music-camp-featuring-latin-and-dominican-music-styles
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
KICK START 2025 with MUSIC! The First MultiKulture Music Camps featuring Latin and Dominican music styles and drumming alongside Taiko drumming at Macquarie and Mitchell Conservatoriums on Thursday March 6th and Friday March 7th, 2025 featuring acclaimed musicians from the Dominican Republic. $20 per student for a full day with family discounts available.
The Latin and Dominican music workshop is 90 mins in length and capped at 30 people per session. Australian Peruvian percussionist Giorgio Rojas, Dominican drummer Otoniel Nicolás and Dominican pianist Josean Jacobo will demonstrate and teach Latin and Caribbean music styles that allow people with little or no experience to participate. Percussion instruments will be available. We can also use drumsticks on chair legs, body percussion, and clapping for attendees under 10 years of age. Each style is broken up into small rhythm patterns which are gradually joined together. More advanced students are encouraged to bring their instruments and will be taught rhythms plus instrumental roles.
And you can learn how to play the fascinating, awe-inspiring Taiko through our 90-minute introductory workshop. Playing Taiko will leave you with a unique group experience that will energise, stimulate and excite. Taiko playing requires great energy and teamwork, as well as total integration of one’s mind, body and spirit; the rhythm of the taiko pulsates through your body – its expression is primal and earthy.
Moorambilla Skills Development Workshop: Primary & Secondary Students Years 3-12
Free for primary & secondary students Years 3-12 who love to sing and move!
Advance registration required - Register here now
Led by award-winning singer, conductor and inspirational Artistic Director, Michelle Leonard OAM. No previous singing experience is necessary to benefit from this workshop – this is a fun educational and cultural activity that will get every student energized, thinking, moving and singing! From this workshop, a small number of students with interest and potential may be offered a place in the Moorambilla Voices Program, a regional children’s choir with amazing opportunities to tour, attend camps and take part in performances.
If offered a place in a Moorambilla program, fees will apply.
For families with more than one child wishing to attend - please make a separate registration for each child; after completing your first one, go back and scan QR or click on the link again to start a new one for each child.
Register here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MOORAMBILLA_Feb25
The Macquarie Big Band Christmas Concert
Get ready for the Macquarie Big Band’s FREE outdoor Christmas concert hosted by the Dubbo Uniting Church. Grab a chair or a picnic rug and relax on the lawn to jazz Christmas performances by the Macquarie Big Band, led by director Paul Young.
The Dubbo Uniting Church will have a BBQ to buy. Concert to start at 6.30pm
When: Friday 6 December from 6.30pm
Where: Dubbo Uniting Church, Cnr Church St & Carrington Ave, Dubbo
Tickets: FREE
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Paul Young - Director’s Piano Recital
The Macquarie Conservatorium is pleased to present a piano recital featuring Artistic Director Paul Young. The program will include works by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann/Liszt, J.S. Bach/Kempff, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff.
Program:
Sonata Op.13 No.8 (Pathetique) - Beethoven
Ballade No.1 in G Minor - Chopin
Widmung - Schumann/Liszt
Prelude to Ratswahl Cantata - J.S Bach/Kempff
La Cathedrale Engloutie - Debussy
Nocturne in C# Minor - Chopin
Prelude in C# Minor - Rachmaninoff
Fantasie Impromptu - Chopin
When: Saturday 30 Nov 6.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: Adult $25 / Concession $20 / Family of 4 $50 / School student $10
Book online at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
The Macquarie Big Band Concert
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the MC Big Band brings to life the iconic hits of the Big Band Era!
With a fantastic set list that includes classics like "Sing, Sing, Sing," "Hey Big Spender," "It Don't Mean a Thing," "Tank!" and more, this is a night you won't want to miss!
Experience this cabaret-style event showcasing the talents of the Advanced Performance students and staff from the Macquarie Conservatorium!
The concert offers table seating along with complimentary refreshments and a grazing table.
When: Saturday 2 November from 6.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: Adult $25 / Concession $20 / Family of 4 $50 / School student $10
Book online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
OPEN DAY
Discover the joy of music at Macquarie Conservatorium’s Open Day!
Program includes performances by Conservatorium students, ensembles, school and community bands, instrument demonstrations by our friendly teachers, and Come and Try Music for pre-schoolers and kindy kids.
FREE ENTRY, refreshments on sale - sausage sizzle, plus info available on all tuition programs.
Join us to discover the music activity that is right for you!
When: Sunday 27 October from 12pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts Dubbo
Cost: FREE
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Opera Australia – La Bohème
Saturday 10 August 7.30pm
Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo
For one night only in Dubbo, witness an exceptional cast of 12 professional performers and the talented local Macquarie Conservatorium Youth Chorus who will be performing alongside Opera Australia
This dazzling new staging of La Bohème by award-winning director Dean Bryant captures the giddy feeling of young love.
When: Saturday 10 August 2024 at 7.30pm
Where: Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Darling Street Dubbo
Tickets: Adult $69 / Concession $62 / School student $32 / Group of 6+ $64
Book online at DRTCC - https://drtcc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/115705
Hailey McLean – Jazz Cabaret with Macquarie Jazz Ensemble
Come and hear one of Australia's most promising young jazz vocalists 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗰𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻, accompanied by a hand- picked 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗝𝗮𝘇𝘇 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲.
This astonishing program includes favourites such as "Misty", "My Funny Valentine", "Orange Coloured Sky", "At Last", and many more.
𝗔𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱!
When: Saturday 20 July 6.30pm
Where: Macquarie Conservatorium, cnr Darling & Bultje Sts, Dubbo
Tickets: Adult $25 / Concession $20 / Family of 4 $50 / School student $10
Book online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/macquarieconservatorium
More info: www.macqcon.org.au 02 6884 6686 info@macqcon.org.au
Macquarie Conservatorium Bands & Ensembles Concert
Get ready for a FREE outdoor concert hosted by the Dubbo Uniting Church, featuring the bands and ensembles of the Macquarie Conservatorium.
OPEN DAY at Macquarie Conservatorium
Experience music in action at Macquarie Conservatorium’s Open Day!
Performances, instrument demos and info on all our programs.
ARCADIA WINDS
Australia’s finest wind players perform music by Mozart and Debussy plus a brilliant arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
SERAPHIM TRIO
The acclaimed Seraphim Trio delights audiences with their deep knowledge and love of chamber music, performing classics of the piano trio repertoire.
ROCK SCHOOL Holiday Workshop
School’s in these holidays for young rock musos aged 11-18 years at Macquarie Conservatorium’s ROCK SCHOOL. Enjoy five days of afternoon workshops, playing in rock bands on your instrument – electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals or keyboard.
REGISTER NOW!
GRIGORYAN BROTHERS - This is Us
Award-winning guitar duo the Grigoryan Brothers in their latest show, performing original compositions inspired by historical objects from the National Museum of Australia.
Moorambilla Primary Workshop Years 3-6
An exciting free opportunity for primary students to sing, move, create! Led by award-winning singer, conductor and inspirational Moorambilla Artistic Director, Michelle Leonard OAM. Register to attend now!
Sydney Conservatorium Ensembles: Jazz Orchestra and Saxophone Orchestra
A free concert featuring the brilliant young musicians of Sydney Conservatorium’s Jazz Orchestra and Saxophone Orchestra.
ALMA MOODIE QUARTET
Four of Australia finest string players led by violinist Kristian Winther play quartets by Haydn, Ligeti and Tchaikowsky.
LOLO LOVINA
Romani-Gypsy singer Sarah Bedak leads LOLO LOVINA, an exciting 5-piece band playing an intoxicating mix of Swing and Balkan Gypsy beats.
2023 CONCERT SERIES
Five inspiring concerts with artists and music from around the world. Series subscription tickets on sale now.
SIGNUM Saxophone Quartet with Kristian Winther
In a program spanning Bach to Gershwin, SIGNUM Saxophone Quartet are joined on their first Australian tour by violinist Kristian Winther in a unique arrangement of Kurt Weill’s Violin Concerto.
Saxophone Masterclass with SIGNUM Saxophone Quartet
This free masterclass with visiting artists from Signum Saxophone Quartet is a wonderful opportunity for wind players to watch and learn from an inspiring professional musicians.
OPEN DAY at Macquarie Conservatorium
Experience music in action at Macquarie Conservatorium’s Open Day!
Performances, instrument demos and info on all our programs.
Alexander Gadjiev
First prize winner of the 2021 Sydney International Piano Competition, Alexander Gadjiev performs romantic works by Chopin, including the virtuosic Sonata in B flat minor.
ROCK SCHOOL Holiday Workshop
School’s in these holidays for young rock musos aged 11-18 years at Macquarie Conservatorium’s ROCK SCHOOL. Enjoy four days of afternoon workshops, playing in rock bands on your instrument – electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals or keyboard.
Golden Gate Brass
Golden Gate Brass explore the dazzling sounds of the brass quintet in music by Samuel Barber, Peter Warlock and Michael Tilson Thomas.
NEW DATE: Tamara-Anna Cislowska with Nic Healey: The Music of Joe Hisaishi
NEW DATE
ARIA award-winning pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska with Nic Healey from ABC Radio Western Plains explore the music of Joe Hisaishi, whose enchanting scores have graced so many beloved Studio Ghibli films
Z.E.N. Trio
The Z.E.N. Trio met as BBC New Generation Artists in 2015 and have performed concerts across the UK, Europe, China, Canada and United States. This concert features Brahms’ Piano Trio No 1 in B major and a new work by Australian Matt Laing.
Nathan Bryon
Award-winning tenor Nathan Bryon returns to Dubbo for a solo recital featuring beautiful artsongs and favourites from the world of opera, operetta and musicals.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this exciting young singer before he leaves Australia for the next stage of his career, postgraduate study in the United States.
POSTPONED: Tamara-Anna Cislowska and Dan Golding in The Music of Joe Hisaishi
POSTPONED
ARIA award-winning pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska and film music expert Dan Golding present the music of Joe Hisaishi, whose enchanting scores have graced so many beloved Studio Ghibli films.