Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula once again comes to life with classical music, world premieres and cross-genre collaborations. In 2026, co-Artistic Directors Melissa Doecke and Ben Opie present 18 events over nine days, including the world premiere of Aaron Wyatt’s Every Plant Has Its Own Dreaming at Peninsula Hot Springs, inspired by native flora and performed by Ensemble Offspring. Other highlights include an Opera Gala with soprano Myriam Arbouz, tenor Jacob Lawrence and baritone David Greco, who also performs Schumann’s Dichterliebe; Karin Schaupp’s guitar recitals; and Ensemble 642’s Baroque by Candlelight at St John’s Anglican Church, Flinders.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Ensemble Offspring joins acclaimed First Nations composer Aaron Wyatt to present a powerful new work inspired by the Dreaming of five local native plants — murnong, lomandra, chocolate lily, garawang, and karkalla. This evocative performance interweaves story, music, and culture in a moving celebration of connection to Country.

Every Plant Has Its Own Dreaming reflects on the stories and histories of the plants that have supported life on the peninsula for thousands of years and have been central to Indigenous culture in the region. It is a celebration of these often-overlooked pillars of our landscape and the strength they bring to Country.