The Adam Chamber Music Festival (ACMF) has announced its lineup for 2026. Set in the scenic surrounds of Nelson Whakatū, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the biennial festival enters its 18th edition with an array of international artists, gems from the classical and contemporary music repertoire, and a celebration of Schubert masterworks across 29 January – 7 February.

Among the international stars is Australia’s Phoebe Russell, double bassist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Ensemble Q. Other international performers include Canadian tenor Colin Ainsworth, Canadian clarinettist James Campbell, the US-based Jupiter String Quartet and American pianist Jeremy Denk.

ACMF’s Grand Opening Concert kicks off the festivities on 30 January with a selection of works by Mozart, Poulenc, Nielsen, NZ composer Jenny McLeod and more.

Phoebe Russell. Photo Supplied.

Russell features in Twos and Threes, a program of duos and trios featuring works by Leclair, Piazzolla, Bridge and Glière as well as contemporary works from NZ composer Salina Fisher and Bernardo Alviz Iriarte (Russell’s husband).