Another year, another Sanguine Estate Music Festival. But not just any year and not just any festival. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of this COVID-interrupted 12-year run of good food, fine wine and spectacular music that are the signature features of the SEMF.

This ‘little’ festival – capped at just 150 guests – punches well above its weight, not least because of the access it affords its audience to musicians both local and international.

Unexpected close encounters with virtuosic violinists can happen when you least expect them. One minute violinist Sergey Malov is performing some feat of devilish dexterity on the stage of the barrel room, the next he has slipped into the seat on your left to watch his colleagues perform.

The promise of a selfie later, he’s up on stage again, playing lead violin tag with ASO Concertmaster Kate Suthers, whose proud parents are seated on your right. It’s one big happy Sanguine family.

Sanguine Estate Music Festival 2023. Photo © Elizabeth Quinn

Friday evening’s Welcome Concert was a celebration of strings, voice and piano that showcased the talents of all 10 SEMF musicians. The performance of Borodin’s String...