The Australian String Academy is excited to present the inaugural Crossroads Festival, a weekend chamber music festival held in the peaceful surroundings of the Central Coast, from 5-8 September 2008.

ASA will be presenting some of Australia’s finest chamber musicians and string players, including the Grainger Quartet, Charmian Gadd (founding violinist of the Macquarie Trio), and many invited guests. Funding from our Young Artist Career Development Program has enabled some exciting emerging artists to be part of the festival. These include Pei-Jee Ng, Glen Donnelly, Orava Quartet and others. A special part of the program will be world premieres by regional composers, and the festival exemplifies our new Regional Outreach Program.

High profile artists will be collaborating with local artists associated with the Central Coast Conservatorium, including the Concertante Ensemble led by Chris Bearman. Co-Artistic Directors of the festival are Charmian Gadd and Glen Donnelly, and Festival partners include M Gallery, Central Coast Tourism , Lizotte’s Restaurant, and the Central Coast Conservatorium.

Situated just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, the Central Coast offers great recreational activities, excellent dining and beautiful sights to see in between the four concerts. ASA will be offering single concert tickets, as well as a special festival ticket to include complimentary wine and refreshments throughout the entire festival.