Welcome from Artistic Director/Pianist Kathryn Selby AM
Having lived most of my life within the beautiful and limitless boundaries of chamber music, it is a truly wonderful privilege to have access to, and be constantly exploring, original music from both beloved old masters and exciting new composers. Such is the case for my 19th Season in 2025.
Read More
As always, the programs reflect the stunning collaborative effort of all involved and showcase our deep love of melody, innovation and inspiration. We celebrate and honour the 150 years since Ravel’s birth along with two Viennese masters in Tour 1, which is followed in May by the Australian premiere of a stunning work by the renowned Lera Auerbach with two favourite trios by Schumann and Smetana.
A gorgeous arrangement of Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune opens Tour 3 with Beethoven’s Ghost and Shostakovich’s powerful second trio. In September, we visit with the masters of song in Chopin and Schubert, with a tribute to Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn in a lovely work by Australian composer Anne Cawrse. And we close the season with luscious big piano quartets by Brahms, Fauré and Australian Matthew Hindson.
Not only do I have the honour of working once again with my old friends, violinists Natalie Chee, Daniel Dodds, Elizabeth Layton and Alexandra Osborne, and cellists Julian Smiles and Clancy Newman, but in 2025 I welcome for the first time to Selby & Friends the brilliant virtuoso violinist Kristian Winther and SSO Principal Cellist Catherine Hewgill. I’m delighted to once again welcome two accomplished young Australians to the Season currently studying in the US - the now 20-year- old cellist Benett Tsai who returns in July and young Sydney violist Isabella Bignasca in November.
These outstanding artists bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and charisma to the series, but alongside these important attributes are joy, generosity of spirit and a comradeship and willingness to share with their younger colleagues that is unparalleled.
It promises to be a very exciting season indeed of fabulous music, brilliant performers and new friends. I warmly invite you to our 2025 Season and look forward to welcoming you with my friends.
2024/2025 Artists
"Nothing short of astounding"
- ClassikOn
"Selby has such sensitivity and awareness as a chamber musician, and is a genuine Mozartian."
-Limelight Magazine
"The Selby trio’s performance was spine-tingling."
-Limelight Magazine
"Kathryn Selby has a remarkable ability to bring together the finest musicians to tackle major works of chamber music and to present them in the most engaging way."
-Limelight Magazine
This is why we go to live performance, for moments like these. This is chamber music at its best, hear them if you can.
- Sydney Morning Herald
Selby and Friends really is the very best of its breed.
- Adelaide Advertiser
Like many others, this reviewer could listen to Selby and Friends all day, every day.