15 - 16 August 2026
Elder Hall
Join us for the Adelaide Clarinet & Saxophone Festival 2026 - a celebration of South Australia’s single-reed community at Elder Hall, Adelaide University.
Featuring a gala concert, masterclasses, workshops, chamber performances, trade stands, and a spectacular massed ensemble experience, the festival is suitable for students, educators, community musicians, and professionals. Festival participants will also take part in the massed ensemble performance, including the world premiere of a newly commissioned work written especially for the event.
Guest artists include Dr Diana Tolmie and Dr Nick Russoniello, alongside many of South Australia’s leading clarinet and saxophone performers.
Schedule of events:
Saturday, 15th August
Gala Concert, 7:30 PM, Elder Hall
Witness outstanding performances by all-star clarinet and saxophone ensembles, including Australian premieres, and featuring guest artist Diana Tolmie. Plus the Adelaide Wind Orchestra are joined by Nick Russoniello, bringing his Concerto for Alto Saxophone "Where the Mountain" to the Elder Hall stage.
Entry via Full Festival Registration or with a Combined Concert Pass.
Sunday, 16th August
Festival Day, 9:00 AM, Elder Hall
A diverse program of workshops, masterclasses, and performances led by leading local and interstate practitioners. Sessions span all aspects of playing and musicianship - from fundamental technique and ensemble skills to wellbeing, performance preparation, and specialist topics - with a mix of hands-on participation and opportunities to observe and learn.
The day also features masterclasses with leading Australian performers, and a Chamber Spectacular where ensembles can nominate to perform. All participants are invited to bring their instruments to take part in the massed ensemble, conducted by Kate Mawson.
Trade stalls and vendors will be present throughout the day to showcase instruments and equipment, answer questions, and support the festival.
Entry via Full Festival Registration.
Massed Ensemble Performance, 4:15 PM, Elder Hall
Join us for the grand finale of the festival - a massed ensemble bringing together all participants under the baton of Kate Mawson. Featuring a newly commissioned work by Elder Conservatorium composition student, Belle Smibert.
Entry via Full Festival Registration or with a Combined Concert Pass.
Registration & Ticketing
Full Festival Registration (Saturday + Sunday)
includes: all Festival activities, massed ensemble and performance participation, entry to Gala concert
Adult $100
Concession $70
Child (U/18) $50
want to perform in a masterclass with Diana Tolmie or Nick Russoniello?
Masterclass Add-On $30
Combined Concert Pass
includes: entry to Gala Concert (Saturday) + Massed Ensemble Performance (Sunday)
Adult $25
Concession $20
Child (U/18) $15
FAQs
Participation
What should I bring?
Participants should bring their instrument, reeds and accessories, water bottle, packed lunch, and any music provided prior to the Festival. We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for both workshops and performance activities.
Who can attend the Festival?
The Festival is open to clarinet and saxophone players of all ages and experience levels, including school students, university students, community musicians, educators, and professionals.
Do I need to be an advanced player to participate?
No! The Festival has been designed to offer opportunities for musicians at every stage of their musical journey, from developing students through to experienced performers.
Can I attend if I don't play clarinet or saxophone?
Yes! Audience members are welcome to attend concerts, observe selected sessions, visit trade displays, and enjoy the Festival atmosphere. For concerts, consider purchasing a Combined Concert Pass (grants entry to both the Gala and Massed Ensemble concerts).
What is the Chamber Spectacular?
The Chamber Spectacular is an opportunity for ensembles to perform as part of the Festival. Groups of all sizes and experience levels are welcome to apply, with performances taking place during a dedicated chamber music showcase on Sunday. Note that these ensembles must be pre-formed, there will not be an opportunity for rehearsal on the day.
What is a Masterclass?
A masterclass is a performance session where selected participants perform for a guest artist and receive feedback, coaching, and musical insights. You can participate as a performer (suitable for intermediate and advanced players) or observe as an audience member.
Registration
What registration options are available?
Ticket options include Full Festival Registration or Combined Concert Pas.
Can I buy concert tickets without attending the Festival?
Yes! Both concerts are open to the public and can be purchased as a Combined Concert Pass. Two concerts for the price of one!
What is included in my registration fee?
Festival registration includes access to workshops, masterclasses, panel sessions, trade displays, the Massed Ensemble experience, and both concerts.
Massed Ensemble
What is the Massed Ensemble?
The Massed Ensemble is the centrepiece of the Festival, bringing together all registered participants to perform in a large combined clarinet and saxophone ensemble during the Sunday Massed Ensemble Concert.
When will I receive the music?
Massed Ensemble music will be distributed electronically before the Festival, giving participants time to become familiar with their parts before arriving. Hard-copy sheet music will also be available on the day.
Will there be a rehearsal for the Massed Ensemble Concert?
Yes, there will be a rehearsal on Sunday (Festival Day) prior to the Massed Ensemble Concert. Participants are also encouraged to prepare their parts in advance.
Practical Information
Where is the Festival being held?
The Festival will be held at Elder Hall, Adelaide University, North Terrace, Adelaide.
Is there car parking available?
There are many options for parking; the most convenient is the University Underground Car Park which is open to the public after hours. Entry is from North Terrace (Gate 23) travelling east. Parking is ‘pay in advance’. There is one machine located on each level and you will need to know your registration number in order to prepay your parking.
There are two accessible parking spaces on the upper level of the underground car park. If these are full you can park in any white-lined car parking space on campus, including the underground car park, as long as you display your Permit. The permit is not valid in yellow lined parking bays such as 15-minute bays, loading zones, or reserved spaces.
Lift access is available via the Eastern side of Elder Hall - if you require lift access please advise during registration, or email saclarinetsaxophone@gmail.com
Will food and drinks be available?
No, food and drink will not be available for purchase in the Elder Hall complex. We recommend that participants bring a packed lunch, or access nearby food outlets.
Drinks will be available for purchase in the Elder Hall Foyer at the Gala Concert (Saturday).
Will there be exhibitors and trade stands?
Yes. A range of exhibitors, retailers, and industry partners will be present throughout the Festival, showcasing instruments, accessories, music, and other products and services.
Are parents and family members welcome?
Yes! Parents, carers, family members, and friends are encouraged to attend both concerts and support participants throughout the Festival.
Still have questions?
PAST EVENTS
ADELAIDE SAXOPHONE ORCHESTRA
TINY REEDS 2021
CLARINET MASTERCLASS 2019
CLARINET MASTERCLASS 2019
DUO OBAX MASTERCLASS 2019
CLARINET & SAXOPHONE DAY 2019
RECORDINGS
