The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) has announced its 2026 program, a milestone year marking its 30th anniversary and its final year with Paavali Jumppanen as its Artistic Director. The Finnish pianist, named Artistic Director in 2021 after he “fell in love” with ANAM after his first 2010 visit, will be succeeded in 2027 by Anna Goldsworthy.

ANAM Sketches. Photo © Neil Bennett

Says Jumppanen: “We look back with a sense of pride and accomplishment; we look to the present day with keen curiosity and observation; and most importantly, we look to our future with optimism and excitement.”

ANAM’s flagship event for 2026 is its Gala, which sees Australian conductor Simone Young tackle Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem, Adams’ Chamber Symphony, Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration and the Australian premiere of György Kurtàg’s Fin de Partie, Epilogue.

Kurtàg, the veteran Hungarian contemporary composer, also sees a staggering milestone in 2026 – his 100th birthday. ANAM celebrates the occasion with its Kurtàg & Friends concert on 18 March with a program of music from him and contemporaries including...