Past Event
Launceston Lunchbox Concerts: Summer 2025
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.
Learn more about the program and artists here.
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.
Learn more about the program and artists here.
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. Written only weeks before his death, the extraordinary B-flat Sonata is often classed among the most emotionally challenging and melodically beautiful in the repertoire, captivating audiences from its exalted opening measures to the exuberant final notes.
Learn more about the program and artist here.
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 “Patterns of Plants”, with a gorgeous blend of traditional Japanese and Baroque instruments.
"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 |
| Kristian Chong |
Wed 19 Nov 1.05-1.50pm |
| Patterns of Plants |
Wed 26 Nov 1.05-1.50pm |
Tickets
| Pre-booked / Friends of Theatre North | $10.00 |
| Door sales | $15.00 |
| Companion Card Holder | Free |
Location
Accessibility
Event notes
Duration
Each Lunchbox Concert is a 45-minute performance with no interval.
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