Flinders Quartet. Photo © Agatha Yim

Variety is the spice of life, as we all know, and variety is at the heart of so many ensembles’ programming in the year ahead. Looking over the slate of what’s to come in 2026, it’s clear that audiences are keen for new sounds, colours and experiences. From exciting collaborations to instruments from around the world, from Baroque spectaculars to intimate chamber connections, it’s hard not to feel that there will be something tailored for you, no matter what your taste.

Let’s begin with the smaller ensembles.

The Australian String Quartet starts the year in March with its Dunkeld Festival of Music in the Grampians, where guest musicians include pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Dimity Hall and cellist Julian Smiles, while at the Barossa Weekend of Music in September, the ASQ teams up...