Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the String Quartet
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the String Quartet
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEKENDS
The art of the String Quartet
Grandchester, qld
14–17 AUGUST 2025 (4 DAYS) | FIVE EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, THREE INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, THREE GOURMET MEALS, WINE & CHEESE TASTING, LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM BRISBANE
Andrew Haveron violin
Lerida Delbridge violin
Justin Williams viola
Timo-Veikko Valve cello
From the 18th-century to the present day, the combination of two violins, viola and cello has inspired the greatest musical minds to create some of their finest works. The string quartet is pivotal to the music of the classical era, and runs like a thread through the music of the 19th and 20th centuries. Even in our own time, the string quartet continues to be a vehicle for great musical ideas.
Over five memorable concerts, informative talks and intimate chats, you will be immersed in some of the greatest string quartets and hear first hand from the musicians involved how they approach the daunting task of bringing this music to life. Beyond the music, The Art of the String Quartet includes three gourmet meals, wine and cheese tasting, and luxurious accomodation in a spectacular setting, with private return travel from Brisbane.
AUD$4,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$4,322.50
Single supplement: AUD$805
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 14 April 2025)
Final payment due: 11 June 2025
Places Available
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Overview | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Overview
Overview | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Overview
OVERVIEW
Five performances as part of this Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend from the following incredible musicians:
Andrew Haveron violin
Lerida Delbridge violin
Justin Williams viola
Timo-Veikko Valve celloThree insightful presentations by Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott on the history of the string quartet.
Three nights’ accommodation at the luxurious Spicers Hidden Vale. Our standard tour price includes a Valley View Room or Luxury Cabin. Upgrade options can be found under the Accommodation section below.
Three gourmet meals at award-winning and carefully chosen restaurants. Guests will be joined by the musicians for the welcome and farewell dinners.
Pre-concert drinks before each of the three evening concerts.
Welcome canapés and drinks at our first afternoon presentation.
A delicious wine and cheese tasting with Spicers Hidden Vale’s head sommelier.
Return travel from Brisbane in a private air-conditioned coach.
Attend this exciting Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend with a maximum capacity of 35 guests, experience five outstanding performances, enjoy insightful talks, stay in luxury accommodation and indulge in fine dining, all in the spectacular scenery of beautiful Grandchester and the Hidden Vale.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
GRAHAM ABBOTT
Sydney-born Graham Abbott is a Music Education graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and later studied conducting with Myer Fredman. His 40-year conducting career saw him work with all the major Australian orchestras, opera companies and choirs. He was Conductor-in-Residence at the University of Adelaide (1986-88), Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1993-97), and Musical Director of Melbourne Chorale (now MSO Chorus) (1994-97). In 1997, Graham was acting Chorus Master of the Chorus of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, during which time he conducted concerts with the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Ulster Orchestra.
Graham’s opera repertoire included The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Fidelio, The Barber of Seville, La traviata, Il trovatore, Un ballo in maschera, Aida, L'Elisir d'amore, Don Pasquale, The Pearl Fishers, and Pelléas et Mélisande. He was also Assistant Conductor for the Australian premiere season of John Adams’ Nixon in China at the 1992 Adelaide Festival. A lifelong passion for the life and work of Handel saw Graham conduct Messiah more than 80 times in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. His repertoire also included many of the composer’s oratorios and operas, and much of his orchestral and church music.
Graham is also one of Australia's most highly-respected music educators. He produced and presented Keys to Music on ABC Classic from 2003 to 2017 and has worked as a speaker, teacher and examiner around Australia. He also established Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Unwrap the Music series and continued to present and conduct that series until 2022. He has worked as a tour leader for Hayllar Music Tours since 2018 and now regularly leads tours for the company within Australia and internationally. Graham received a Special Conductor’s Award in the 1995 Melbourne Green Room Awards marking his debut with Opera Australia conducting Handel’s Julius Caesar for the company. And in 2007 he was awarded the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award by the University of Melbourne in recognition of his services to Australian music as both conductor and educator.
ACCOMMODATION
SPICERS HIDDEN VALE
Spicers Hidden Vale is a gem set on 12,000 acres of true Australian Bush, an escape just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane that combines the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmest of country welcomes. After undergoing an 18-month rebuild, the new Homestead pays homage to the history of its colourful past, while incorporating modern luxurious finishings that Spicers Retreats are renowned for.
Our standard tour cost includes a Valley View Room or Luxury Cabin.
Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to the Chinese Cottage for AUD$260 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Featuring a private courtyard, the Chinese Cottage is a charming stand-alone cottage adjacent to the market garden.Upgrade to a Heritage Suite for AUD$520 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
These elegant stand-alone cottages feature private verandahs, spacious sitting areas and wood burning fireplaces.Upgrade to a Luxury Suite for AUD$670 for the full duration of your stay (allocation exhausted).
The spacious cottage style Luxury Suites feature a separate lounge room and bedroom, with large windows overlooking gorgeous views of the valley and French doors leading out onto the wide verandah.
Select your upgrade option when booking below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181.
14–17 AUGUST 2025 (4 DAYS)
AUD$4,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$805
Places Available
Artists | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Artists
Artists | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Artists
artists - THE ART OF THE STRING QUARTET
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Andrew Haveron joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as Co-Concertmaster in 2013, arriving in Sydney with a reputation as one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. With his unrivalled versatility, he is highly respected as a soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster. As a soloist, he has played concertos with conductors such as Colin Davis, Roger Norrington, Jiří Bělohlávek, Stanisław Skrowaczewski and John Wilson, as well as David Robertson, performing a broad range of well-known and less familiar repertoire with many of the UK's finest orchestras.
As first violinist of the internationally acclaimed Brodsky Quartet (1999-2007), his work included collaborations with artists ranging from Anne-Sofie von Otter and Alexander Baillie to iconic crossover work with Elvis Costello, Björk, Paul McCartney and Sting. He recorded more than 15 albums with the quartet, many of which won awards such as Diapason d'or and Choc du Monde de la Musique. He has also appeared with numerous other chamber groups, such as the Nash and Hebrides ensembles, the Logos Chamber Group, Kathy Selby, and the Omega Ensemble.
Andrew Haveron is in great demand as a concertmaster and director, and has worked with all the major symphony orchestras in the UK and many others around the world. In 2007 he became concertmaster of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and in 2012 he joined the Philharmonia Orchestra. He also led the World Orchestra for Peace at the request of Valery Gergiev, and he has been the leader of the John Wilson Orchestra since its inception. Born in London in 1975, Andrew Haveron studied at the Purcell School and the Royal College of Music and in 1996 was the highest British prize winner at the Paganini Competition for the past 50 years. In 2004 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Kent for his services to music. Andrew Haveron plays a 1757 Guadagnini violin, generously loaned to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra by Vicki Olsson.
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Lerida has carved out a rich career as a chamber musician, orchestral player and educator. In 2003, Lerida co-founded the Tinalley String Quartet and over the next two decades, toured Europe, America, Canada and Australia performing extensively with Tinalley, performing in the world’s finest concert halls and festivals. First prize winners of the 9th Banff International String Quartet Competition, Tinalley released numerous critically acclaimed recordings with ABC Classics and DECCA Australia.
Since 2013, Lerida has been Assistant Concertmaster with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as guest Principal with the Tasmanian, Adelaide and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras and has toured with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian World Orchestra. Awarded a Doctor of Music Arts in 2003, Lerida has studied at the International Menuhin Academy; International Holland Music Sessions; Banff Centre for the Arts, Canada; International Musicians Seminar Prussia Cove, UK; Yale Summer School of Music and Stanford University.
Lerida plays on a 1793 Joseph and Antonius Gagliano violin, a gift from her father.
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Justin Williams holds the position of Assistant Principal Viola with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and is the founding violist of the Tinalley String Quartet (TSQ). He has performed as Principal Viola with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO), Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Australia ProArte, and as ripieno viola with Australian Chamber Orchestra.
As a member of Tinalley String Quartet, Justin shared in the experience of winning the 2005 Australian Chamber Music Competition and the 9th Banff International String Quartet Competition. With TSQ he has toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and North America and has released several recordings with Move Records, Decca Australia and ABC Classic.
As a composer, Justin released his Movement for String Quartet in 2020, which has since been performed throughout Australia and in Europe by the Australian String Quartet. In 2022, Justin was the recipient of a Sydney International Piano Competition Composing the Future juror’s prize for his Three Intermezzi for solo piano. In 2023, his set of songs Three Pieces for String Quartet and Voice: Love – Despair – Hope, was commissioned and premiered at Blackheath Chamber Music Festival, and his first Symphony was jointly commissioned by Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra and premiered by QSO under the direction of Maestro Umberto Clerici as part of the Brisbane Festival. At the beginning of 2024, Justin wrote a duo for violin and cello (Theme and Variations), and a piece for solo piano, commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music.
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Timo-Veikko Valve, affectionately known by audiences far and wide as 'Tipi', grew up in Finland, surrounded by a family who are 'musically orientated normal people'. Music lessons were a natural part of his upbringing, and at six years old, Tipi was encouraged to pick up the cello after a teacher at the local music school declared with considerable conviction that 'he looks just like a cellist!'. To this day, Tipi remains somewhat puzzled about what that statement actually meant. Whatever the subtext, the teacher seems to have been correct.
Valve was appointed Principal Cello of the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 2006, and his leadership soon became an integral part of the ACO. Recognised for his natural, creative, and generous musicianship, Tipi seeks to define the modern-day musician. Prior to his Australian adventure, Tipi studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki before continuing to the Edsberg Music Institute in Stockholm.
Tipi effortlessly transitions between modern and period instruments and describes the cello as a flexible and adaptive partner, both in its role in an ensemble and as a soloist, across all forms of music. He reflects this versatility and enjoys a diverse career as a musician, curator and director, directing from the cello as he plays and appearing as a soloist with many of the major orchestras across his two home countries, Finland, and Australia. Tipi is also a sought-after collaborator and frequently appears as a chamber musician. His active commitment to the music of our times through curating and commissioning has seen him delivering world-premiere performances of multiple concertos and other significant works written especially for him.
Currently, Tipi plays on a Brothers Amati cello from 1616, kindly on loan from the ACO Instrument Fund.
Itinerary | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Itinerary
Itinerary | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Itinerary
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2025
1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS HIDDEN VALE GRANDCHESTER
BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT AND BRISBANE ROMA STREET STATION TO GRANDCHESTER, CONCERT I (D):
Guests are collected by private air-conditioned coach. The coach will make one stop at Brisbane Domestic Airport at 12:30pm and a second stop at Brisbane Roma Street Station at 1:00pm. We then travel from Brisbane to the beautiful Spicers Hidden Vale, located on 12,000 acres of land in Grandchester, Queensland. Spicers Hidden Vale features a mix of beautifully restored Queenslander style cottages dating back to the 1800s along with private luxury timber cabins, both positioned to take advantage of the stunning views across the Hidden Vale property and beyond.
After arriving and checking into our rooms, we gather at the beautiful Laidley Room Terrace for a welcome reception with drinks and canapés.
Our Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott then gives the first talk on our weekend’s focus, The Art of the String Quartet.
Following our first presentation by Graham, we move over to the Barn for our first exclusive performance by four of Australia’s finest chamber musicians.
CONCERT I - Evening Concert
The Barn
Following the concert, we enjoy the first of our three gourmet meals together, with a sumptuous dinner served with Australian wines. We have the wonderful opportunity of being joined by the musicians and our Artistic Director, Graham Abbott for this welcome meal.
After dinner, guests may like to move over to the cosy Spicers Homestead Lounge Bar for a further drink by the fire, or return to their well-appointed and comfortable rooms ahead of a busy day tomorrow.
DAY 2 | FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 2025
2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS HIDDEN VALE GRANDCHESTER
GRANDCHESTER, CONCERTS II & III (B, L):
After breakfast in the stylish hotel Homestead with remarkable views out over the valley, we once again gather for our exploration of the string quartet. Morning tea is served after the conclusion of this morning’s lecture.
Following morning tea, enjoyed on the Laidley Room terrace, we move back to the Barn where we enjoy the second of our exclusive performances which this morning also features a conversation with our musicians.
CONCERT II - Morning Concert Conversation
The Barn
Followed by a conversation with the musicians, hosted by Graham Abbott.
In the afternoon we enjoy a picturesque drive through the scenic countryside to enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch. After our relaxed lunch together, we return to Spicers Hidden Vale.
In the early evening we gather for pre-concert drinks at the Barn before enjoying our third exclusive performance by these fine musicians.
CONCERT III - Evening Concert
The Barn
Following the concert, the evening is free.
DAY 3 | SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025
3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS HIDDEN VALE GRANDCHESTER
GRANDCHESTER, CONCERTS IV & V (B, D):
Following breakfast, we gather for our third and final exploration of The Art of the String Quartet with Artistic Director Graham Abbott. Afterwards, morning tea is served on the terrace of the Laidley Room. Following the last of our presentations we enjoy our fourth concert, paired once again with an informal conversation.
CONCERT IV - Morning Concert Conversation
The Barn
Followed by a conversation with the musicians, hosted by Graham Abbott.
This afternoon is at your leisure. You might like to explore the expansive and beautiful grounds of Spicers Hidden Vale.
In the late afternoon, we regroup for a delicious wine and cheese tasting with the hotel’s head sommelier. Following our tasting, you might like to join the optional garden tour with one of the restaurant’s chefs, where you will be taken behind the scenes of the preserving room, learn about the smoking process and be taken around the orchard and vegetable garden, to help pick what may well be going into this evening’s dinner.
We then gather for the final time at the Barn for a pre-concert drink, before we enjoy the fifth and final performance by our exceptional musicians.
CONCERT V - Evening Concert
The Barn
Afterwards we enjoy our farewell meal together at the exclusive Homage Restaurant, where gastronomical masterpieces are created using local produce. The restaurant is in receipt of many recent awards, including Two Chef Hats from the 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 Australian Good Food Guide. Once again, we will be joined by the musicians and our Artistic Director, Graham Abbott, for tonight’s farewell meal.
DAY 4 | SUNDAY 17 AUGUST 2025
GRANDCHESTER TO BRISBANE ROMA STREET STATION AND BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT (B):
Following our final breakfast at Spicers Hidden Vale we travel in our private coach back to Brisbane. We will arrive at Brisbane Roma Street Station at approximately 1:00pm and Brisbane Domestic Airport at approximately 1:30pm.
Inclusions | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Inclusions
Inclusions | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
14–17 AUGUST 2025 (4 DAYS)
AUD$4,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$805
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 14 April 2025)
Final payment due: 11 June 2025
INCLUSIONS:
Performances: Five unique and intimate performances featuring some of the most iconic string quartets ever written.
Talks on the Music: Three presentations on the music from Artistic Director Graham Abbott.
Tour Managers: Services of two experienced tour managers throughout.
Hotel: Three nights' accommodation at the luxurious 4-star Spicers Hidden Vale. The standard tour package comes with a Valley View Room or Luxury Cabin. Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to the Chinese Cottage for AUD$260 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Featuring a private courtyard, the Chinese Cottage is a charming stand-alone cottage adjacent to the market garden.Upgrade to a Heritage Suite for AUD$520 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
These elegant stand-alone cottages feature private verandahs, spacious sitting areas and wood burning fireplaces.Upgrade to a Luxury Suite for AUD$670 for the full duration of your stay (allocation exhausted).
The spacious cottage style Luxury Suites feature a separate lounge room and bedroom, with large windows overlooking gorgeous views of the valley and French doors leading out onto the wide verandah.
Travel: One private air-conditioned coach transfer from/to Brisbane Domestic Airport and Brisbane Roma Street Station. Land travel by private air-conditioned coach throughout the weekend.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning. Three lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee. Welcome drinks and canapés, morning tea at the two morning lectures, wine and cheese tasting and pre-performance drinks before the three evening concerts.
Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for all excursions and activities as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.
Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.
EXCLUSIONS:
International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from your local airport at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost. One private air-conditioned coach from/to Brisbane Domestic Airport and Brisbane Roma Street Station is included in the tour price.
Travel Insurance: Please note that travel insurance is recommended for tours within Australia. Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
GROUP SIZE
The weekend will operate with a minimum of 20 people. The maximum number at the Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends will be 35 people.
FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 1
All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for short distances between hotel rooms and venues, and embarking/disembarking coaches.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
Booking | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Booking
Booking | Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the String Quartet
Booking
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEKENDS
The Art of the String Quartet
grandchester, QLD
DEPOSIT ONLY | AUD$1,500 PER PERSON
14–17 AUGUST 2025 (4 DAYS) | FIVE EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, THREE INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, THREE GOURMET MEALS, WINE & CHEESE TASTING, LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM BRISBANE