The Blackheath Chamber Music Festival (BCMF) has announced violinist Lerida Delbridge as its new Artistic Director. She will take over the role in 2027 from founding Artistic Director Catherine Harker, who steps down after six years.

“I have been privileged to play in several BCMFs in previous years, and I am thrilled and deeply honoured that Catherine has entrusted me with the future of BCMF,” said Delbridge.

Lerida Delbridge. Photo © C Brewster

“I look forward to building on the remarkable foundation she has established. Blackheath is such a unique, community-minded town in the Blue Mountains landscape, I look forward to engaging with the community and bringing Australia’s preeminent musicians together for a tremendous weekend of music making”.

Delbridge is the Artistic Director of Hunters Hill Music, a chamber music concert series in Northern Sydney.

In January, Delbridge was appointed Principal Second Violin of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She first joined the SSO in 2013 as Assistant Concertmaster, and has also performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and the Auckland Philharmonic.

Delbridge is a founding member of the Tinalley String...