Bendigo Venues & Events’ 2023 Season is shaping up to be one of the best ever

From February 1-5 marks the 4th Bendigo Chamber Music Festival.

Co-directors (and cellist extraordinaires) Chris Howlett and Howard Penny unite to bring their love of chamber music to life in this festival.

The main program includes 15 concerts, and combines the very best Australian artists – both established and emerging guests – including Leeds Piano Competition Prize winner, Ariel Lanyi, and Classic FM’s 2022 Rising Star Artist, clarinetist, Jonathan Leibovitzsome.

Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) is an epic tale inspired by Norse mythology that spans four operas, with a collective run time of more than 15 hours over four performances. Some people travel the world to experience it, and in March 2023 they’re coming to Bendigo. Only four productions of Ring Cycle have ever been performed in Australia, and Melbourne Opera is in Bendigo for the first production outside of a capital city.

Performed in the intimate space of the Ulumbarra Theatre, with a 90-piece Melbourne Opera Orchestra, it features some of opera’s most memorable moments, including, the majestic Ride of the Valkyries, the poignancy of Wotan’s Farewell, the Descent into Nibelheim, the sublime Forest Murmurs and ultimately the fiery finale of Gotterdämerung, one of all theatre’s most technically challenging moments.

It’s not just fine music on offer in BV&E venues… there’s something for everyone. For kids and families, TV’s favourite doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand star in Operation Ouch. Grownups can laugh out loud with comedy show by Aidan Jones, Lano and Woodley or Jimmy Carr. Music enthusiasts will be wowed by Australian and international acts City and Colour, Chocolate Starfish, Toni Childs, Rob Caudill in Direct from America: Forever Rod, Daniel Champagne, Russel Morris, Eric Bib and much, much more!

A new member program gives audiences the opportunity to experience it all. Membership unlocks early access to the best seats, ticket discounts, and exclusive 'member only' opportunities throughout the year.