Entering its 31st year, Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) are preparing for a 2026 season reaffirming their status as one of Australia’s leading exponents of chamber music while deepening their ties to Queensland stories, artists and landscapes.

Long recognised for its virtuosity, adventurous programming and collaborative ethos, SXS continues to champion chamber music on both national and international stages. In 2026, the ensemble pushes further into its mission to innovate, commission new Australian works and broaden access to world-class music-making across metropolitan and regional Queensland.

SXS Chamber Music Festival, Shambala Estate. Photo supplied

A highlight of the year will be the 22nd SXS Chamber Music Festival, held 14–16 August at Shambala Estate on Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim. The multi award-nominated event, highly regarded for its intimate atmosphere, will once again feature skills-sharing and rehearsal collaborations with the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra in the lead-up.

Curated to celebrate Queensland’s natural beauty and artistic talent, the festival continues SXS’s commitment to employing Queensland artists and arts workers, and...