Music, history and a weekend escape

The TSO's Music at Woolmers series is a chance for our musicians to perform some of their favourite pieces in a beautiful historic setting.

While audiences love getting up close to the music, our musicians too love the intimacy and the creative freedom that these unique concerts provide.

Our Principal First Violin Jennifer Owen is co-curator of the Music at Woolmers series - a role she describes as a 'real joy'.

'One of the really fun things about being able to curate these concerts is to come up with ideas of pieces that I want to play and then find people who would who would like to play them. I'm trying to introduce our audiences to as many of our individual players as possible,' Jenny says.

The concerts take place at Woolmers Estate in Longford, in the Francis Mary Archer Gallery of the Nigel Peck Centre – a modern addition to the UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

‘Often the seating is arranged in a half-circle, so you're just a few rows away from the musicians and you can see their fingers moving – it’s a much more intimate experience,' Jenny says.

'The musicians are usually around afterwards to chat and a lot of the audience enjoys staying on for a coffee or lunch at the on-site restaurant. It’s such a lovely way to extend the experience.'

Our first two Woolmers concert of 2025, Bassoon Romance and Brahms Horn Trio, booked out quickly, showing how much audiences love the combination of intimate performances and beautiful surroundings.

TSO Principal Third Horn Claudia Leggett loved the intimacy of her first Woolmers concert, including the opportunity to chat with audience members after her performance.

Originally from Brisbane, Claudia trained with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and as a fellowship recipient with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, before moving to Hobart to join the TSO in late 2022.

As she recently told The Mercury’s TasWeekend magazine, Claudia loves the versatility of the French horn.

‘It has really big powerful brass lines, but also can have a very soft, lyrical, mellow tone for a beautiful melancholic solo moment,’ she told the magazine.

‍A perfect weekend getaway

With concerts timed for Saturday or Sunday mornings, Music at Woolmers is a perfect excuse to enjoy a full weekend in the beautiful northern Midlands of Tasmania. Concert goers can indulge in coffee and cake before the performances, or stay for lunch at the on-site cafe, which boasts a seasonal menu. They can also wander the heritage gardens, explore the village of Longford, and perhaps even stay overnight at Woolmers itself or a nearby property.

‘It’s a complete experience – history, music, nature and relaxation all in one,’ Jenny says. ‘And for the musicians, it’s just as special. We absolutely love playing these concerts.’

Explore the Music at Woolmers program.

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