The Tasmanian celebration of all things vocal returns with a host of performers from Australia and overseas. Traditional and contemporary works rub shoulders with cabaret and educational workshops, while headline acts include Hobart-based vocal ensemble JESSA performing contemporary classical repertoire at the Port Arthur Asylum, and vocal works setting words by Australian writers performed by AVÉ alongside polyphony by Bach and Victoria. This year’s Classical Choral Workshop concentrates on Handel, culminating in a concert featuring his Dixit Dominus, performed by the 120 singers of the Festival’s Classical Choral Workshop, and Zadok the Priest, performed by the Come Sing Handel Choir.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Prepare to have everything you thought you knew about the human voice turned upside down. With more than half a billion views across his live performance videos, Tom Thum is widely regarded as one of the world’s most extraordinary beatboxers. His ability to conjure entire sound worlds using only his vocal cords has left audiences from New York to Kuala Lumpur wondering, “how is that even possible?

In this one hour show, Tom builds a full sonic universe right in front of you – from symphony‑level orchestrations and jazz club grooves to 80s synths, techno pulses and an entire line‑up of seemingly impossible sounds.