The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the Violin
The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the Violin
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEKENDS
THE ART OF The Violin
Hunter Valley, NSW
15–18 OCTOBER 2026 (4 DAYS) | FIVE EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, THREE INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, THREE GOURMET MEALS, WINE TASTING, 5-STAR ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY
Sometimes referred to as ‘the queen of instruments’, the violin has been an indispensable part of western musical culture for four centuries. Solo music, chamber music, orchestral music, opera… all of it would be unimaginable without the violin.
In this specially-curated event, three leading violinists come together to share some of their favourite music from the treasure trove that is the violin repertoire. In addition to five memorable concerts, the weekend will include three talks on the violin’s history and music, and the artists will talk about their connection to their instrument in intimate chats. This promises to be a dazzling and moving experience, providing a unique opportunity to focus on a single instrument, and to hear its music in the hands of some its greatest exponents.
AUD$4,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$4,702.50
Single supplement: AUD$825
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 15 June 2026)
Final payment due: 12 August 2026
Places Available
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Overview | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Overview
Overview | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Overview
OVERVIEW
Five performances as part of this Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend.
Three insightful presentations by Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott on the history of the violin.
Three nights’ accommodation in the beautiful 5-star Spicers Guesthouse Hunter Valley with breakfast. The standard tour package comes with a King Room. Upgrade options can be found under the Accommodation section below.
Three gourmet meals at award-winning and carefully chosen restaurants in the Hunter Valley. 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 and informative wine tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries.
Return travel from Sydney 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 and restful countryside of the Hunter Valley.
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 GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
Spicers Guesthouse offers modern elegance in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The Guesthouse has been an iconic destination within the Hunter Valley for 39 years (circa 1984). Having undergone an 18-month revitalisation the retreat has an inviting, homely feel that envelops guests once inside. The upgrade reflects a fresh contemporary uplift while the welcoming spirit of the original Guesthouse has been preserved. Spicers Guesthouse is set within 40 acres of grounds overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and neighbouring vineyards. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
Our standard tour cost includes a King Room.
Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to a King Deluxe for AUD$180 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The larger 25m² King Deluxe Rooms feature a king size bed and an ensuite, located on the ground and first floor.Upgrade to a Garden Suite for AUD$840 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The 40m² Garden Suites feature a king size bed, ensuite with a rain shower head and separate living area. Suites have a beautiful outlook onto the front lawn area.Upgrade to a Hunter Suite for AUD$990 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The 52m² Hunter Suites feature a king size bed, living room and a luxury bathroom with rain shower head and deep bath. Located on the first floor with a separate living room.
Select your upgrade option when booking below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181.
15–18 October 2026 (4 DAYS)
AUD$4,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$825
Places Available
Itinerary | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Itinerary
Itinerary | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Itinerary
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | THURSDAY 15 October 2026
1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
SYDNEY CENTRAL STATION AND SYDNEY DOMESTIC AIRPORT TO HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERT I (D):
Guests are collected by private air-conditioned coach. The coach will make one stop at Sydney Central Station at 11:30am and a second stop at Sydney Domestic Airport at 12:00pm. We then travel north from Sydney to the picturesque Hunter Valley.
After arriving at the relaxed and luxurious 5-star Spicers Guesthouse in the heart of the Hunter Valley and checking into our rooms, we gather on the Tallawanta Terrace with its pastoral views of the surrounding 40-acre grounds. There we are welcomed with drinks, including local wines, and antipasto sharing plates.
Our Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott then begins our musical exploration for the weekend into the history of the violin.
Following the presentation by Graham, we move to the beautiful Lovedale Room for our first exclusive performance from our incredible musicians.
CONCERT I - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
Following the concert, we enjoy the first of our three gourmet meals together, with a sumptuous dinner served with local Hunter Valley 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 Guesthouse lounge for a seat by the fire to discuss this evening’s performance, or return to their well-appointed and comfortable rooms ahead of a busy day tomorrow.
DAY 2 | FRIDAY 16 October 2026
2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERTS II & III (B, L):
Following breakfast in the stylish hotel restaurant, we gather for our second presentation on the music and history of the violin and its incredible range of repertoire with Graham Abbott. Following our morning lecture, we move back to the Lovedale Room where we enjoy the second of our exclusive performances, paired with a discussion with our musicians.
CONCERT II - Morning Concert Conversation
Lovedale Room
Followed by a conversation with the musicians, hosted by Graham Abbott
After our morning presentation and concert, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Hunter Valley to a wonderful restaurant, where we have a delicious lunch whilst enjoying views of the surrounding vines.
After lunch, we return to Spicers Guesthouse for some free time, possibly including a short rest ahead of tonight’s concert.
In the early evening we gather for pre-concert drinks on the Lovedale Lawn before enjoying our third exclusive performance. Following the concert, the rest of the evening is free and dinner is independent.
CONCERT III - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
DAY 3 | SATURDAY 17 October 2026
3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERTS IV & V (B, D):
After breakfast, we gather for our third and final exploration of the violin with Artistic Director Graham Abbott. After our morning presentation, we enjoy our fourth concert with both a wonderful performance and a conversation with our incredible musicians. After the concert, time is allowed for lunch at the hotel.
CONCERT IV - Morning Concert Conversation
Lovedale Room
Followed by a conversation with the musicians, hosted by Graham Abbott
In the afternoon we take a short drive through the Hunter Valley for an exclusive wine-tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinguished wineries, served with some light food and nibbles.
After our tasting, we return to the hotel for a short rest ahead of tonight’s final concert. You might like to explore the picturesque grounds or relax by the pool.
This evening, we gather for the final time on the Lovedale Lawn for a pre-concert drink, before we enjoy the fifth and final performance of our wonderful weekend of music.
CONCERT V - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
Afterwards we enjoy our farewell meal together at another of the Hunter Valley’s finest restaurants. Once again, we will be joined by the musicians and our Artistic Director, Graham Abbott.
DAY 4 | SUNDAY 18 October 2026
HUNTER VALLEY TO SYDNEY DOMESTIC AIRPORT AND CENTRAL STATION (B):
Following our final breakfast at Spicers Guesthouse we travel in our private coach back to Sydney. We will arrive at Sydney Domestic Airport at approximately 1:00pm and Sydney Central Station at approximately 1:30pm.
Inclusions | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Inclusions
Inclusions | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
15–18 October 2026 (4 DAYS)
AUD$4,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$825
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 15 June 2026)
Final payment due: 12 August 2026
INCLUSIONS:
Performances: Five unique and intimate performances from some of Australia’s finest musicians.
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 5-star Spicers Guesthouse Hunter Valley. The standard tour package comes with a King Room. Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to a King Deluxe for AUD$180 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The larger 25m² King Deluxe Rooms feature a king size bed and an ensuite, located on the ground and first floor.Upgrade to a Garden Suite for AUD$840 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The 40m² Garden Suites feature a king size bed, ensuite with a rain shower head and separate living area. Suites have a beautiful outlook onto the front lawn area.Upgrade to a Hunter Suite for AUD$990 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The 52m² Hunter Suites feature a king size bed, living room and a luxury bathroom with rain shower head and deep bath. Located on the first floor with a separate living room.
Travel: One private air-conditioned coach transfer from/to Sydney Central Station and Sydney Domestic Airport. 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, wine tasting and pre-performance drinks before the three evening concerts.
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 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 Central Station and Sydney Domestic Airport 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 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 | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Booking
Booking | The Art of the Violin - Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
Booking
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEKENDS
THE ART OF The VIOLIN
HUNTER VALLEY, NSW
DEPOSIT ONLY | AUD$1,500 PER PERSON
15–18 OCTOBER 2026 (4 DAYS) | FIVE EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, THREE INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, THREE GOURMET MEALS, WINE TASTING, 5-STAR ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY