A regional classical music festival that’s been hosted annually through pandemic lockdowns must be made of pretty tough stuff. In 2026, the Bendigo Chamber Music Festival (BCMF) celebrates its seventh anniversary from 4 to 8 February. For co-director and cellist Chris Howlett, that’s seven years of top-notch classical music, community spirit and the joy of making music in a regional destination – despite the challenges.

Bendigo Chamber Music Festival’s Community Concert. Photo supplied

“Bendigo is a very special place with a strong focus on the arts,” Howlett tells Limelight. “I truly believe you can gauge the health of an arts community by its teaching and its groups, and by this measure, Bendigo is flying.”

It’s credit, he says, to the community of Bendigo, which has long invested in its arts and culture. The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the largest and oldest regional galleries, the 953-seater Ulumbarra Theatre has already hosted its own Ring Cycle, and the heritage-listed theatre, The Capital, celebrated its 150th in 2023. The arts are a part of the lifeblood of the city.

Alongside Bendigo’s “world-class infrastructure”, Howlett also full of praise...