A new national presenter, Classical Music Australia, has launched with an ambitious program of international touring artists and a Pay What You Can ticketing model aimed at widening access to live performance.

Founded by producer and cellist Chris Howlett, the organisation will mount six national tours in its inaugural year, bringing high-profile artists to major metropolitan and regional centres.

The 2026 program opens this month with British vocal ensemble The King’s Singers in Melbourne (4 March) and Sydney (5 March).

The King’s Singers. Portrait supplied

Further tours will feature violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman (Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide from April 21-23); violinist Daniel Hope (Melbourne and Sydney in June); pianist and Limelight International Artist of the Year Sir Stephen Hough (Bendigo, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in October); mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter (Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne in November); and violinist Ning Feng (Melbourne and Sydney in December).

Central to the company’s model is a structured Pay What You Can system, which allows audiences to nominate their own ticket price.

Howlett said the approach was shaped by his experience with Australian Digital Concert Hall, the streaming platform he founded with Adele Schonhardt during the pandemic. “During my time with Australian Digital Concert Hall, I discovered how important it is to remove as many barriers as possible to enable people to enjoy live performance,” Howlett said.

“That’s why, when founding this company, I wanted to do things a little differently, presenting legendary artists who haven’t been to Australia in some time, alongside affordable ticketing. We are already seeing the results with The King’s Singers concerts this week.”

According to Howlett, early response suggests the model is attracting audiences who might otherwise be priced out of major classical events. He said the company had received messages from patrons attending The King’s Singers performances who would not normally be able to afford concert tickets, alongside others opting to pay above the standard price to subsidise lower-cost access.

Sir Stephen Hough. Photo © Sim Canetty-Clarke.

Classical Music Australia builds on Howlett’s track record in artistic leadership and touring. In addition to founding Australian Digital Concert Hall, he has directed the Bendigo Chamber Music Festival and H&H Festivals at Stonier, and serves on the board of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The company says its longer-term goal is to establish a sustainable national touring circuit that balances international star power with accessible pricing, positioning itself as a new player in Australia’s classical music landscape.

For more information and bookings, visit classicalmusicaustralia.com