THERE WAS enthusiastic praise for the diversity and excellence of local arts and music societies’ 2026 programs at their launch last Friday evening, 6 February.
ArtsNational Coffs Coast and the Coffs Harbour Music Society’s joint event was attended by City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, Councillor Cath Fowler and Library Manager Karen Nurse-Rowe – along with over 130 members of the public.
ArtsNational Coffs Coast’s Chair Annie Talve, presented this year’s six international and four Australian lecturers, noting that bonus events and “a bit of experimentation will be included in the mix.”
Starting on Sunday 22 February, ArtsNational will present noted arts educator Gill Nicol, for “We Are All Creative”, a fascinating exploration of creative thinking and using art to stay well and live longer.
“Gill will be accompanied by four local artists – Peggy Zephyr, Alison Page, Sarah Mufford and Jane Sturrock Nash – to discuss how art making affects the way they see the world and make sense of it as artists,” Ms Talve said.
Brunel’s engineering masterpieces, dogs in art, men’s fashion, Shackleton’s Antarctic odyssey, Japanese gardens, and photojournalist Lee Miller’s striking war photography all feature in this year’s program.
Artistic leaders of Coffs Harbour Music Society, Leigh Summers and Robert Smallwood, jointly presented this year’s six sublime and sometimes surprising concerts.
Classical favourites from Mozart, Debussy, Beethoven and Vivaldi feature in concerts by Partridge String Quartet, Ensemble Trivium, and the Endeavour Trio.
Additionally, there will be contemporary classical pieces from Elena Kats-Chernin, Holly Harrison and jazz pianist extraordinaire Joe Chindamo.
ABC Classic broadcaster and pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska will reflect on “a life in music” while playing piano pieces including Bach and Kats-Chernin.
Live music contributed to Friday’s launch with local musicians Mercedes and Henrietta Hohenlohe playing excerpts from Massenet, Vivaldi and Elgar on violin and cello.
The evening culminated with the exciting announcement that ArtsNational Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour Music Society and City of Coffs Harbour will collaborate on a daylong festival at Yarrila Place in November celebrating film, music and ideas.
“I’m so excited with what I’ve seen (and heard) tonight from these two important arts societies,” said Mayor Williams. “The fact that we can work together on something new and different in November is testament to the growing cultural vitality of our wonderful city.”
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By Andrea FERRARI
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