From the Artistic Director.

2026 represents an exciting new chapter for Hunters Hill Music, as we present the first HHM Gala Event at the Hunters Hill Town Hall with the internationally renowned Australian Opera star, Siobhan Stagg. I first met Siobhan at The University of Melbourne and I was immediately struck by Siobhan’s extraordinary voice … it was as though she had the wings of an angel! When Siobhan agreed to sing the Pie Jesu from Faure’s Requiem at our wedding, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! I have been thrilled to watch her star rise over the years and I am delighted that Siobhan and Jonathan have made time in their busy touring schedule to make a stop in Sydney, and that Hunters Hill Music will host this exclusive performance. The Gala Event will also feature wines from HHM’s wine partner, Savannah Estate, and in a first for HHM, a post concert supper will be provided following the performance. Simon Sandal, and his exceptional team at Boronia Kitchen will create a bespoke supper for the audience, capping off what will surely be a magical evening.

Hunters Hill Music will also present three Sunday afternoon recitals at the Hunters Hill Town Hall, with dazzling musicians stepping onto the stage. If you have not witnessed James Crabb’s formidable accordion playing, or perhaps never experienced the heart throbbing majesty of an accordion in full flight, then you will not want to miss the closing concert of the Series.

Chase away the Winter blues in June with pianist Andrea Lam, who has won our hearts on the stage and screen. Andrea’s effervescent piano playing and sophisticated interpretations will surely take your breath away.

The 2026 Season opens with a deconstructed string quintet, works for not just one, but two, three, four and five string players. I am honoured to be joined by musicians I have known and collaborated with for years, including Principal Violist of The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Stefanie Farrands who will open the Season with a new work written for her by American composer, Garth Knox; ACO violinist Ike See; Eliza Sdraulig of the Chroma Quartet and composer/violist, Justin Williams.

I continue to be overwhelmed by the extraordinary musicians who perform for Hunters Hill Music, and I am sure you will be as well. I look forward to welcoming you to Hunters Hill Music in 2026.

  • Lerida has carved out a rich career as a chamber musician, orchestral player and educator. Currently Principal 2nd of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Lerida is a founding member of the Tinalley String Quartet, first prize winners of the 9th Banff International String Quartet Competition. With Tinalley, Lerida has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada and the United States and released critically acclaimed recordings with DECCA Australia and ABC Classics. Lerida has performed as a guest Principal with the Tasmanian, Adelaide and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has toured with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian World Orchestra. She held the position of Assistant Concertmaster with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2013 until being appointed Principal 2nd in 2025. 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.

    A resident of Hunters Hill since 2019, Lerida relocated to Sydney from the hills of the Yarra Valley in countryside Victoria in 2013. An avid gardener and closet interior designer, Lerida loves walking the streets of Hunters Hill with her beloved golden retriever and husband, musician/composer Justin Williams. There is no doubt in her mind, Hunters Hill is Sydney’s best kept secret.