The Cambridge Chamber Music Festival is bringing exceptional chamber music to the heart of the Waipā District.

Set in picturesque Cambridge, and in partnership with the Cambridge Town Hall, the Cambridge Chamber Music Festival celebrates both artistic excellence and a strong sense of community. This is a thoughtfully curated program that blends beloved classics with exciting new discoveries.

New Zealand-born Artistic Directors – bassoonist Todd Gibson-Cornish and violist Amanda Verner are joined by Jessica Oddie (violin), Ken Ichinose (cello). The Saturday performance is a special collaboration with The Argyle Trio: Wilma Smith (violin), Matthias Balzat (cello) and Laurence Matheson on piano.

Spirit & Sound: A Collaborative Opening – Friday 26 September, 7pm
Experience four vibrant sets spanning Bach, Mozart, and Schubert through to Penderecki, Marsalis, and Whitehead, presented in a dynamic, unexpected setting where the audience intermingles with the musicians, fully immersing themselves in the performance. The night also features a special collaboration with talented local string players from the Waikato region, performing Karl Jenkins’ exhilarating Palladio.

Interwoven Paths – Saturday 27 September, 7pm
Featuring exquisite masterpieces: Mozart’s charming Bassoon Quartet, Mendelssohn’s passionate Piano Trio No. 2, Op. 66, and Schumann’s richly expressive Piano Quartet in E-flat Major. At the heart of this concert is Wilma Smith’s Argyle Trio, featured in a dynamic collaboration with festival artists. Renowned for her extraordinary contribution to classical music in Australasia, Wilma brings her artistry and leadership to a program that celebrates the interwoven paths of musicians whose lives span continents but remain deeply connected to Aotearoa.

A Musical Journey for All Ages – Sunday 28 September, 11am
Relax and enjoy a family-friendly morning as the musicians travel the world through music. This light-hearted concert invites listeners of all ages to discover the joy of classical music, with sounds and stories from around the globe. Suitable for all ages, with a running time of 45 minutes, it’s the perfect way to start your Sunday—curious minds and little ears welcome!

With the beautiful Cambridge Town Hall as its central venue, the festival aims to create an inspiring and accessible cultural experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.