The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is kicking off 2026 with a lively program that celebrates great music, fresh ideas, and the long-awaited completion of the Conservatorium’s building restoration.
February and March will see audiences welcomed back to the Con for a trio of performances that showcase the Con’s musical range. From classical favourites, to contemporary and cross-cultural works, all in a space that has been carefully restored and is ready to play again.
The season begins on 15 February with Lyrical Masterpieces, featuring a stunning program of French and German classics performed by acclaimed violinist Doretta Balkizas and pianist Brieley Cutting. This concert offers warmth, elegance, and expressive musicianship, an ideal way to start the year and reconnect with live performance.
On 14 March, the Conservatorium invites the community to celebrate at ‘Restored at the Con’, a special open day marking the completion of the building’s restoration. This is a chance to step inside, enjoy live music, and experience the building fully reopened and re-energised. With stages lit, teaching rooms ready, and music echoing through the halls once more, the day will be a joyful moment of reconnection and renewal.
The program concludes on 21 March with Duo Aki, featuring Eden Annesley and Lola Schuele, a violin, saxophone, shakuhachi (Japanese flute) and looper duo working in the nexus of Australian and Japanese classical and contemporary music.
Their performance explores the works of Australian female composers alongside Japanese folk song influences and original compositions. Thoughtful, layered and quietly adventurous, Duo Aki reflects the Conservatorium’s commitment to diverse voices, cross-cultural exchange and contemporary musical practice.
The restoration of the building marks an exciting new chapter for the Conservatorium. After years of challenge and change, the space is once again fully operational – welcoming students, audiences and musicians of all ages into an environment that is accessible, inclusive and designed for learning, collaboration and performance.
All events take place at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, 152 Keen Street, Lismore.
Full event details and bookings are available via the Conservatorium website. With performances underway and the building restored, enrolments are now open across all Conservatorium programs. Whether you’re enrolling a child, returning to music yourself, or trying something new, now is the perfect time to join in.
Visit the website: www.nrcac.edu.au to enrol and be part of a bright, music-filled year ahead.
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