Our Story
The Story of the Albury Chamber Music Festival
The Albury Chamber Music Festival began with a simple idea: that audiences in regional Australia should be able to experience chamber music of the highest quality without travelling to a capital city.
Established in 2016 as an initiative of the St Matthew’s Music Association, the Festival was founded by Fr Peter MacLeod-Miller and inaugural Artistic Director Helena Kernaghan. Together they envisioned an event that would bring outstanding musicians to Albury while enriching the cultural life of the wider Border region and inspiring the next generation of performers. The Festival also benefited from the guidance of Dr Allan Beavis OAM, whose experience in developing and leading successful regional music festivals provided valuable insight during ACMF’s formative years. As Chair of the Festival Committee, he has remained a steady source of leadership and support throughout the Festival’s development.
From its earliest years, ACMF distinguished itself through a combination of artistic excellence, warm hospitality and a strong sense of place. Concerts were presented in some of Albury’s most beautiful and historic venues, including St Matthew’s Church, the Adamshurst Ballroom, the Albury Club and, in later years, the Regent Cinema. These spaces continue to provide the intimate atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the Festival.
In 2020 artistic leadership passed to internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell and conductor, percussionist and arts leader Mario Dobernig. Under their direction the Festival has continued to grow in ambition and reputation, welcoming many of Australia’s finest musicians while exploring imaginative annual themes that have become a distinctive feature of the ACMF experience.
The Festival remains guided by the belief that music is at its most powerful when it brings people together. Across concerts, conversations, gala events and community activities, ACMF seeks not only to present exceptional performances, but also to foster friendship, curiosity and a shared love of music.
The Festival’s connection with St Matthew’s reflects a much older tradition. For centuries, churches and community organisations have played an important role in supporting musicians, composers and audiences. ACMF proudly continues that tradition, bringing world-class artists to the Border while creating opportunities for local musicians and music lovers alike.
Founding Leadership
Fr Peter MacLeod-Miller
Founder and Festival President
Helena Kernaghan
Inaugural Artistic Director (2016–2019)
Dr Allan Beavis OAM
Founding Chair and Festival Committee Chair
Current Artistic Leadership
Sally-Anne Russell
Co-Artistic Director
Mario Dobernig
Co-Artistic Director
Current Festival Committee
Fr Peter MacLeod-Miller – President, St Matthew’s Music Association
Victoria Chick – Vice President, St Matthew’s Music Association
Mark Carden – Honorary Treasurer
Sally Morris – Digital Media Coordinator
Honorary Patrons
Nance Grant AM MBE
Lady Primrose Potter AC
Peter Evans
John Bolton Wood AM
Looking forward
What began as an ambitious local initiative has grown into one of regional Australia’s most distinctive chamber music festivals. As it continues to evolve, its purpose remains unchanged: to present extraordinary music in remarkable spaces and to create experiences that inspire, connect and endure.
We look forward to writing the next chapter of the story.