At the heart of SXS is a belief in chamber music as a space for intimate, meaningful human connection. Our work is shaped by a desire to spread the word of chamber music across Queensland, to towns big and small, to listeners young and old. We create opportunities for Queensland artists, onstage and off.

Our 2026 programs honour Queensland artists, stories and places. Gather Round, our intimate Sunday afternoon recital series, will be presented at the Thomas Dixon Centre between June and November. The 22nd SXS Chamber Music Festival will take place at Shambala Estate, 14–16 August, with an array of world-class artists.

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SXS is renowned for its commitment to music by living composers. In 2026 we expand the remit of our landmark Didgeridoo Commissioning Project, renaming it the First Nations Commissioning Project. This project continues our ten-year commitment to create a major new body of work by First Nations artists. Three composers will collaborate with musicians and mentors to create new works, which will be recorded and toured in 2027.

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Education and mentorship are central to our identity. Thanks to a generous grant by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, we are able to bring an innovative new education series, Band Together, to young musicians in schools across South East Queensland. Our new work for young and family audiences, Ellis and the Night Orchestra, will premiere at the State Library of Queensland in June. Through the Next Gen Artists Program and the Margaret Schindler Vocal Scholarship, we support emerging artists with professional development performance opportunities and mentorship—investing in the future of chamber music in Queensland and beyond.

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Each year, SXS brings meaningful musical experiences to 1000s of people across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. This would not be possible without the support of our partners and donors. 

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Consider donating to Australia's Star Chamber Ensemble!