Bringing deep listening, celebration and collaboration this October
By Sonia Isaacs
EXPERIENCE the power of music when the Long Listen Festival takes over Palmwoods and Mapleton from 3–6 October, promising four days of brave, bold and brilliant performances across intimate spaces.
Artistic director Louise King has curated a program that brings world-class artists to the hinterland, with 56 performers across 14 events spanning 11 genres; from chamber music to world folk, blues and experimental collaborations.
Opening night will see violinist Véronique Serret joined by her band and special guest William Barton on didgeridoo, voice and guitar. Other highlights include a gala performance of Appalachian Spring featuring a festival-commissioned world premiere by composer Nicole Murphy, chamber concerts with Ensemble Q, violinist Courtenay Cleary, pianist Alex Raineri and Cerulean Collective, Gosti, plus a closing “Blues on the Range” celebration with State of Appalachia and Hat Fitz and Cara.
The program also extends beyond concerts. Festival Conversations will be hosted at Palmwoods’ Little Book Nook, featuring authors and thinkers including ABC presenter Ed Le Brocq, arts writer Gillian Wills, and Dr Hope O’Chin, who will share insights into culture and creativity.
“It’s all about concerts, conversations and immersions – and deep listening to ideas and topics we need to talk about,” Ms King explained.
“I want to bring adventurous, high-quality music-making into our exquisite small halls, creating warm, collaborative community experiences.”
Ms King, a professional cellist, has poured 10 months of work into the festival. She said support from the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council and a network of private donors has been crucial in realising her vision. “This is how I want to transform where we live – by celebrating collaboration, activating our small halls, and connecting musicians with the community,” she said. “So putting the festival on allows me to bring really exciting music into these cute intimate venues, and I think very importantly, celebrating spirit of collaboration. Musicians are very connected – so for me, it’s also about supporting my colleagues by finding a way to bring them to our community, into our region, – while learning as I go.”
The Long Listen Festival runs October 3–6 across venues in Palmwoods and Mapleton. Tickets and full details are available via Humanitix: collections.humanitix.com long-listenfestival-2025
