Presented by Theatre North and Van Diemen's Band

VDB's hugely popular Lunchbox Concert Series are back in Launnie!

Curated by VDB’s Artistic Director, Julia Fredersdorff, our 2025 Summer Series showcases some of Lutruwita/Tasmania's finest musical talent alongside international and interstate guests, in an eclectic program of music spanning a rich variety of genres and styles.

Experience glorious classical song, folk storytelling, sublime piano sonatas, and enter the mystical world of plants.

Escape the hustle and bustle and step into an oasis of calm listening to beautiful music in a casual and welcoming setting.

CONCERT #1: WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER @ 1.05pm
JACQUELINE WARD & KAREN SMITHIES (TAS)
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Soprano Jacqueline Ward is joined by pianist Karen Smithies for a beautiful concert of music by Handel, Benjamin Britten, Dominick Argento, and more.

CONCERT #2: WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER @ 1.05pm
FORGET-ME-NOT (TAS, DEN, SLO)
PRINCESS THEATRE
Van Diemen’s Band reunites with mandolin wizard Luke Plumb and special guests Khalida de Ridder (violin) and Slovenian singer Rebeka Dragolič for a very personal program of joy, love, loss and survival.

CONCERT #3: WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER @ 1.05pm
KRISTIAN CHONG (VIC)
PRINCESS THEATRE
Melbourne-based pianist Kristian Chong performs Schubert's final - and arguably greatest - piano sonata D960 in B-flat Major.

CONCERT #4: WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER @ 1.05pm
PATTERNS OF PLANTS (VIC, NSW, TAS)
PRINCESS THEATRE
Van Diemen’s Band teams up with Melbourne’s Astra Ensemble to present Japanese composer Mamoru Fujieda’s magnum opus “Patterns of Plants”

"I can't believe I can fit a world-class experience like this into the middle of my day for $10. It's wild. A transporting, beautiful interlude which takes me out of the noise and into the music. Thank you."
— Audience member

Partners

Concert #1

Jacqueline Ward, soprano

Karen Smithies, piano

Concert #2

Khalida de Ridder, violin

Luke Plumb, mandolin

Brett Rutherford, cello

Dave McNamara, accordion

Rebeka Dragolič, voice

Concert #3

Kristian Chong, piano

Concert #4

Astra Ensemble

Miyama McQueen-Tokita, koto

Laura Vaughan, viola da gamba

Julia Fredersdorff, Baroque violin

Brandon Lee, koto

Ryan William, recorders

Henry Liang, sho

Alexander Ritter, countertenor

Event and ticketing details

Date & Time

Jacqueline Ward & Karen Smithies Wed 5 Nov
1.05pm-1.50pm
Forget-Me-Not Wed 12 Nov
1.05-1.50pm Assistive listening
Kristian Chong Wed 19 Nov
1.05-1.50pm Assistive listening
Patterns of Plants Wed 26 Nov
1.05-1.50pm Assistive listening

Tickets

Pre-booked / Friends of Theatre North $10.00
Door sales $15.00
Companion Card Holder Free

Location

Princess Theatre, Launceston

57 Brisbane St, Launceston TAS 7250

Get directions

Holy Trinity Launceston

34 Cameron St, Launceston TAS 7250

Get directions

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Assistive listening Assistive Listening

Companion Card holders can access free tickets for these events - contact the box office for more information. Assistance animals are welcome.

Event notes

Duration

Each Lunchbox Concert is a 45-minute performance with no interval.

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