Held in the South Wairarapa wine village about 80 kilometres north-east of Wellington, The Martinborough Music Festival runs from 20–27 September, culminating in four chamber music concerts in the Martinborough Town Hall from September 25–27.

Founded in 2017 by professional musicians living in Martinborough, the festival has steadily built a reputation as one of the region’s premier chamber music events, attracting leading artists from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and Europe while maintaining an intimate atmosphere in the town’s restored civic hall.

Artistic directors Wilma Smith and Donald Armstrong have led the festival since its inception, curating concerts pairing established masterpieces with contemporary works and New Zealand premieres.

Australian musicians again feature prominently in the 2026 lineup, reflecting the close trans-Tasman ties that have become a hallmark of the festival. Returning for his fifth Martinborough appearance is Australian violist Christopher Moore, joined by violinist Zoë Black.

Martinborough Music Festival co-director Wilma Smith. Photo © Agatha Yim

Guitarist Slava Grigoryan and cellist Sharon Grigoryan will also perform in a Tea for 10 event at the Tirohana Estate...