The Western Australia-based Darlington Chamber Music series began 20 years ago as a piano trio without a piano. It wasn’t until its members hosted a 2003 raffle – with a performance as its top prize – that the group was able to raise the funds to purchase a piano for Darlington Hall. 

“We’re still performing on that piano,” violinist Semra Lee tells Limelight, though a grant received last year has finally offered enough support to be able to finance a well-earned replacement for a much-loved instrument.

A string quintet stand in front of a sandstone wall and green door, holding their instruments – except the pianist, of course.

The Darlington Quintet: Jon Tooby, Zak Rowntree, Graeme Gilling, Sarah Boud and Semra Lee. Photo © Nik Babic

Its home venue had offered much inspiration for the Darlington Chamber Music series. Founder and cellist Jon Tooby grew up with its informal cushion concerts and a high professional standard of musicianship, which became the model for the Darlington Trio featuring Tooby, Lee and pianist Graeme Gilling.

Two decades later, it has...