Welcome to Four Winds 2026
The Four Winds Program for 2026 is a rich and thoughtfully curated series of events. Over recent years, Four Winds has deepened its connection with our local community. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Four Winds Foundation, our new Circle of Friends and our partnerships with schools, youth ensembles and local choirs are growing, and more young people are finding a place here to develop and share their musical gifts.
Those who spend time at Four Winds will know how much care goes into creating a welcoming atmosphere. Shared moments—hearing a young musician take the stage for the first time, meeting neighbours and friends while enjoying world class performances, or seeing families exploring the site together—are becoming an increasingly special part of the Four Winds experience.
The 2026 Program offers countless opportunities to enjoy these moments, bringing together artists, audiences and our vibrant community in ways that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. I look forward to seeing you there.
The Four Winds team invites you to join us for a year of music in nature for everyone — from returning favourites Affinity Quartet, The Necks, Andrea Lam, Acacia Quartet, Hamed Sadeghi, Fred Leone, Heath Cullen and Djinama Yilaga to new artists including pianist Aura Go, classical ensemble Gryphon Baryton Trio, contemporary legends Bleak Squad, and rap artist and producer Leigh Roy Ryan, in a program spanning classical, contemporary, jazz, rap and choral works. Threaded through the year, local artists will record and present new material, as well as collaborate with visiting artists.
Easter at Four Winds remains a highlight of the national arts calendar, with the Grigoryan Brothers returning with a five-concert series bringing together, for the first time, seven of their long-term collaborators. Over the June long weekend, Andrea Lam will surprise you with a yet to be announced program; and in November, the seventh Spring Youth Music Festival will once again celebrate the next generation, culminating with the joyful 60-piece Four Winds Community Orchestra.
After seven years of partnership, Four Winds is proud to announce Djinama Yilaga as Artists in Residence, as they premiere Barragga Yangga – three years in development – created by Four Winds First Nations Creative Director Cheryl Overton (née Davison) and performed with special guests including Butchulla songman Fred Leone and Affinity Quartet.
Throughout the year, artist residencies, open rehearsals and work-in- development showings will give you a rare insight into the creative process and reinforce Four Winds as a place where new Australian music is made. The gate is open. Come and be part of what’s next.
2026 artistic curatorial team
Tim Walker CBE AM
Classical Concerts Curator
Tim was formerly the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, having previously led World Orchestras and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has chaired the Association of British Orchestras and served as Secretary and then Treasurer of the International Society of the Performing Arts. He has an extensive background in music, education, and leadership across global arts institutions.
Sophia Brous
Advisor, Contemporary Music & Residencies
Sophia is an interdisciplinary artist, vocalist, composer, and curator, creating contemporary performances across music, theatre, and dance with international artists and festivals. Based in New York and Melbourne, she is a resident artist at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), founder/artistic director of Supersense Festival at the Arts Centre Melbourne and former Program Director of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Curator of Music at Adelaide Festival of the Arts.
Leonard & Slava Grigoryan
Easter Concerts Curators
Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are counted amongst the finest classical guitarists of their generation having developed a reputation for enthralling audiences with the energy of their performances and the breadth of their repertoire, resulting in many collaborations involving music, both written and improvised. Between them, they have received 4 ARIA awards (Australian Recording Industry Association) and an incredible 24 ARIA Award nominations. Their curation of the 2026 Easter Weekend concerts will offer audiences something truly extraordinary through jazz, classical, tango, original works and improvision, drawing together seven acclaimed musicians and a rare mix of instruments: classical and electric guitars, piano, bass, tabla, cello, voice and bandoneon.
Leigh Small
Four Winds Executive Director
Leigh Small brings over 25 years of leadership in Australia’s premier performing arts organisations to her role as Executive Director of Four Winds, a position she has held since June 2023. Leigh’s career includes executive roles at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, and a decade as Executive Director of the Sydney Dance Company. She also served as CEO of the Sydney Film Festival, 2010-2022 through a period of substantial growth. Leigh was chair of Red Line Productions at The Old Fitz 2014-2020. As a member of the Four Winds board, Leigh contributes her wealth of expertise and passion for connecting audiences with powerful shared experiences through music and performance.
David Hewitt
Youth & Community Engagement Director & Curator
David Hewitt is an internationally renowned percussionist, composer, educator, and multidisciplinary performer, known for his work with the Spaghetti Western Orchestra and collaborations with top Australian arts companies. He is also the Director of the Create and Inspire program at Four Winds and Artistic Director of Stonewave Taiko.
Cheryl Overton (nee Davison)
First Nations Creative Director & Curator
Cheryl Davison, Walbunja/Monaro woman, is a visual artist, singer, and storyteller who founded the Dhurga language choir Djinama Yilaga in 2018. She owns and runs the Gurraywaa Gallery, teaches visual arts, works as First Nations Creative Curator for Four Winds and serves on the Gulaga National Park Board.
Dr Louise Morris
Producer/Programming & Creative Curator
Dr Louise Morris is a multidisciplinary artist based in Tanja, known for creating multi-sensory experiences that explore local stories, place-making, and community connections. Formerly a Lecturer at Deakin University, she co-founded key arts collectives and established Navigate Arts in 2019 to foster innovative, inter-disciplinary creative practices in Yuin Country. Alongside her work at Navigate Arts, she works as the Four Winds Events Producer.