Out West Piano Fest 2024 wrapped up its much-anticipated third edition, once again drawing piano enthusiasts and music lovers to the enchanting Blackdown Farm in Bathurst, NSW. Curated by renowned pianist and Music Director Konstantin Shamray, this three-day event from October 25-27 offered audiences an experience unlike any other—a harmonious blend of nature, music, and fine local cuisine. With its beautiful surroundings, expertly crafted programme, and warm, communal atmosphere, the festival was a celebration of artistry and the rich cultural tapestry of the Bathurst region.
Under Shamray’s guidance, the festival’s five concerts each followed a unique theme, transforming the natural setting into an immersive stage for a musical journey. Audiences delighted in Night Music, a contemplative concert that brought them into an intimate, enigmatic and mysterious listening experience; Bells Across Europe, a spiritually resonant selection evoking the sounds of bells across the continent; En Plein Air, which captured the experience of travel and the beauty of open landscapes; Two by Four, featuring intricate duo and trio arrangements culminating in an eight-hand performance of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite; and Printemps, a vibrant celebration of spring that concluded with the powerful, rhythmic surge of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Each concert was curated to showcase the expressive range of piano music, from classical staples to lesser-known gems, performed by an exceptional line-up of Australian pianists, including Grace Kim, Vatche Jambazian, and Lee Dionne.
Top right: Vatche Jambazian, Grace Kim, Lee Dionne, and Konstantin Shamray, the four pianists of the festival. Photos by Grace Kim.
The festival’s setting at Blackdown Farm added an extra layer of magic to each performance. In the heart of spring, Bathurst’s countryside was in full bloom, creating a perfect backdrop for an event designed to blend the beauty of nature with the richness of music. Blackdown’s heritage buildings and vast landscapes provided a unique stage that allowed audiences to experience these concerts in an intimate, personal way. One attendee noted, “Bathurst was sparkling in the spring, and the weather was perfect.” This connection with the environment added to the immersive quality of each concert, making the music feel inseparable from the landscape itself.
But Out West Piano Fest is more than just music—it is also a culinary journey, with local gastronomy woven into the festival experience. Guests enjoyed fine wines from local vineyards Renzaglia, Rock Forest, and Vale Creek, carefully paired with gourmet meals prepared by regional chefs. These locally sourced dishes not only highlighted the flavours of Bathurst but also complemented the music, enhancing the festival’s multi-sensory experience. Audience members frequently expressed their delight with this aspect of the festival, with one guest describing it as “a truly remarkable and thoroughly enjoyable weekend…the music, the food, and the setting!”
Blackdown Farm, The Table Lunch and the venue at Out West Piano Fest 2024. Photos by Grace Kim and Dr Jay Byrnes.
The festival fostered a strong sense of community among attendees, many of whom returned for their second year and reconnected with friends made in 2023. This communal spirit was one of the festival’s defining features, with many expressing their joy at sharing such a special event with like-minded people. One attendee captured this sentiment, saying, “We attended in 2023, and returning this year did not disappoint. Reacquainting with previous attendees is a highlight. The enthusiasm shown by the four performers was infectious.” A first-timer visitor echoed this sense of shared experience: “I didn’t know what to expect when booking for the Out West Piano Fest, and overall I am blown away by the performances, the venue, the food and wine, and the great enjoyment of sharing the music with like-minded people.”
The performances themselves were met with high praise, with audience members applauding Shamray’s vision and the festival’s exceptional line-up. One attendee reflected, “It was spectacular—and a huge thanks to Konstantin for his amazing curation and talent selection!” Others appreciated the thoughtful programming and the rare opportunity to witness such an array of talent in an intimate, picturesque setting.
Blackdown Farm’s garden in full bloom. Orange and almond cake with syrop by Margot Burke Catering. Morning tea bite size delights. Photos by Grace Kim.
In the end, Out West Piano Fest 2024 left its audience with lasting memories of breathtaking performances, stunning scenery, and heartfelt connections. The festival’s ability to seamlessly blend the artistic with the pastoral, the familiar with the extraordinary, has secured its place as a beloved fixture in the cultural calendar. As the final notes of The Rite of Spring reverberated through Blackdown Farm, many were already looking forward to next year, eager to once again experience the magic of music, nature, and community coming together in Bathurst’s scenic hills.
For a full overview of Out West Piano Fest 2024 musical program, click here. To be informed in priority about the 2025 edition, register here.
Out West Piano Fest 2024 partners:
