Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Hayllar Chamber Music Week
The Art of Chamber Music
Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Hayllar Chamber Music Week
The Art of Chamber Music
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEK
THE ART OF CHAMBER MUSIC
Hunter Valley, NSW
16–21 NOVEMBER 2027 (6 DAYS) | EIGHT EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, FOUR INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, FIVE GOURMET MEALS, WINE TASTING, 5-STAR ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY
To celebrate six years of Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends, we return to Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley in 2027 for a glorious week of music. Reuniting many of the distinguished musicians who have appeared across our previous 14 events, alongside an exciting selection of new artists, this special anniversary event will be led by co-Artistic Directors Graham Abbott and Daniel de Borah. Set amid the Hunter Valley’s picturesque vineyards and rolling landscapes, it promises an intimate and memorable celebration of extraordinary music-making, outstanding food and wine, and the pleasure of sharing these experiences with fellow music lovers.
AUD$8,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$8,122.50
Single supplement: AUD$1,290
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 16 July 2027)
Final payment due: 13 September 2027
Places Available
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Overview | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Overview
Overview | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Overview
OVERVIEW
Eight performances as part of this Hayllar Chamber Music Week.
Five insightful presentations by Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott on the history of chamber music.
Five 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.
Five gourmet meals at carefully chosen restaurants throughout 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 drinks and canapés at our first afternoon presentation.
An informative wine tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries paired with a light lunch.
Return travel from Sydney in a private air-conditioned coach.
Attend this exciting Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend with a maximum capacity of 40 guests, experience five outstanding performances, enjoy insightful talks, stay in luxury accommodation and indulge in fine dining, all in the restful scenery of the Hunter Valley.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
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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 Abbott retired from conducting at the end of 2024.
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.
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Daniel de Borah is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost musicians, consistently praised for the grace, finesse and imaginative intelligence of his performances. His busy performance schedule finds him equally at home as concerto soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. Since his prize-winning appearances at the 2004 Sydney International Piano Competition, Daniel has given recitals on four continents and toured extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Australia. As a concerto soloist he has appeared with the English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Tasmanian, Adelaide and Auckland Symphony Orchestras.
An avid chamber musician, Daniel has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with many leading soloists including Vadim Gluzman, Andrew Haveron, Dale Barltrop, Kristian Winther, Baiba Skride, Li-Wei Qin, Nicolas Altstaedt, Umberto Clerici, Roderick Williams, Steve Davislim and Andrew Goodwin. His festival appearances have included the Musica Viva Festival, Adelaide Festival, Huntington Estate Music Festival and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. Daniel is a founding member of Ensemble Q, ensemble-in-residence at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University since 2017.
During his studies Daniel won numerous awards including 3rd Prizes at the 2004 Sydney International Piano Competition, the 2001 Tbilisi International Piano Competition and the 2000 Arthur Rubinstein in Memoriam Competition in Poland. In 2005 he was selected for representation by the Young Classical Artists Trust, London. Daniel is also a past winner of the Australian National Piano Award and the Royal Overseas League Piano Award in London.
Born in Melbourne in 1981, Daniel studied at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, the St. Petersburg State Conservatory and the Royal Academy of Music, London. His teachers have included Zsuzsa Esztó, Mira Jevtic, Nina Seryogina, Tatyana Sarkissova and Alexander Satz. Daniel now lives in Brisbane where he serves as Head of Chamber Music at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.
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$275 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$1,400 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$1,650 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.
16–21 NOVEMBER 2027 (6 DAYS)
AUD$8,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$1,290
PLACES AVAILABLE
Itinerary | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Itinerary
Itinerary | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Itinerary
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2027
1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
SYDNEY CENTRAL STATION AND SYDNEY DOMESTIC AIRPORT TO HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERT I (D):
Guests are collected from Sydney 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 to the picturesque Hunter Valley.
After arriving at the relaxed 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, delving into the history of chamber music.
Following the presentation by Graham, we move to the Lovedale Room for our first exclusive performance.
CONCERT I - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
Following the concert, we enjoy the first of our three gourmet meals together, with dinner served at the hotel’s restaurant with local Hunter Valley wines. We have the wonderful opportunity of being joined by the musicians and our co-Artistic Directors, Graham Abbott and Daniel de Borah, for this welcome meal.
DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2027
2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERTS II & III (B, D):
Following breakfast in the stylish hotel restaurant, we gather for our second presentation on the history of chamber music 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
Following our morning concert, time is allowed to rest at the hotel and for an independent lunch.
In the early evening, we make the short journey to Peterson House for our evening concert and dinner. Peterson House is one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinctive wineries, renowned for its award-winning sparkling wines and picturesque vineyards. On arrival, we enjoy a wonderful drinks and canapés reception at the winery’s charming chapel, giving us the opportunity to discover their traditional méthode champenoise craftsmanship with a selection of their award-winning sparkling wines.
We then enjoy an evening concert performed in the beautiful Peterson House Chapel.
CONCERT III - Evening Concert
Peterson House Chapel
Following or evening concert, we enjoy a celebratory group meal together at the Peterson House restaurant, before returning to our hotel.
DAY 3 | Thursday 18 November 2027
3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, CONCERTS IV & V (B, L):
After breakfast, we gather for our third exploration of chamber music with Graham Abbott. Following our morning presentation, we enjoy our fourth concert with both a wonderful performance and a conversation with our musicians.
CONCERT IV - Morning Concert Conversation
Lovedale Room
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 the hotel for a restful afternoon ahead of tonight’s concert.
This evening, we gather once again at the Lovedale Lawn for a pre-concert drink, before we enjoy the fifth of our concerts together.
CONCERT V - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
Following the concert, the rest of the evening is free and dinner is independent.
DAY 4 | FRIDAY 19 November 2027
4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, WINE TASTING & LUNCH, CONCERTS VI & VII (B, L):
After breakfast, we gather for our fourth exploration of chamber music with Graham Abbott. After our morning presentation, we enjoy our sixth 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 VI - Morning Concert Conversation
Lovedale Room
In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive through the Hunter Valley for an exclusive wine-tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinguished wineries, served with a delicious Mediterranean-inspired shared lunch.
After our tasting, we return to the hotel for a short rest ahead of tonight’s evening concert, which once again is preceded by our pre-concert drinks reception on the Lovedale Lawn.
CONCERT VII - Evening Concert
Lovedale Room
After the concert, guests may like to move over to the cosy Spicers Guesthouse bar to discuss this evening’s performance and for an independent bite to eat.
DAY 5 | Saturday 20 November 2027
5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY, OPTIONAL GALLERY OR MARKET VISIT, CONCERT VIII (B, D):
This morning, we enjoy our final exploration of chamber music with Graham Abbott.
In the afternoon, guests might like to explore the Pokolbin region further with an optional visit to either the Handmade in the Hunter Saturday market, or the Watershed Gallery, a vibrant and continually changing space for Wine Country locals and visitors to enjoy and interact with art and artists.
Following these optional activities, we return to the hotel for a restful afternoon ahead of tonight’s final concert and dinner.
CONCERT VIII - 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 co-Artistic Directors, Graham Abbott and Daniel de Borah.
DAY 6 | SUNDAY 21 November 2027
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 | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Inclusions
Inclusions | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
16–21 NOVEMBER 2027 (6 DAYS)
AUD$8,550 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$1,290
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 16 July 2027)
Final payment due: 13 September 2027
INCLUSIONS:
Performances: Eight unique and intimate performances from some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Talks on the Music: Five presentations on the music from Artistic Director Graham Abbott.
Tour Managers: Services of two experienced tour managers throughout.
Hotel: Five 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$275 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$1,400 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$1,650 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. Five 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 25 people. There will be a maximum of 40 guests at this Hayllar Chamber Music Week.
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 Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Booking
Booking | Hayllar Chamber Music Week - The Art of Chamber Music
Booking
HAYLLAR CHAMBER MUSIC WEEK
THE ART OF CHAMBER MUSIC
HUNTER VALLEY, NSW
DEPOSIT ONLY | AUD$2,500 PER PERSON
16–21 NOVEMBER 2027 (6 DAYS) | EIGHT EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, FOUR INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, FIVE GOURMET MEALS, WINE TASTING, 5-STAR ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY