Known for their energetic, joyful and spontaneous performances, the group will showcase their remarkable talents at Armidale Town Hall in an engaging program of Debussy, Nielsen and Ligeti, expertly matched with new discoveries by Australian composers Natalie Williams and Lachlan Skipworth. 

“We like to interact with our audiences as much as we can,” said clarinettist Lloyd van’t Hoff, who also happens to be the latest ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year.

“You create the atmosphere together, an atmosphere that is entirely unique to that point in time.”

Van’t Hoff will be joined in Armidale by fellow ensemble members David Reichelt (oboe) and Matthew Kneale (bassoon), as well as special guests Kate Proctor (flute) and Rebecca Luton (French horn).

“The Six Bagatelles is one of our favourite pieces,” he added. “Ligeti has created something so engaging with such little material. Similarly, Lachlan Skipworth's Echoes and Lines explore a wide range of stories in a short space of time and are, in my opinion, some of the best music written for wind quintet.”

Formed in 2013 at the Australian National Academy of Music, Arcadia Winds are one of the country’s top young ensembles.

All acclaimed soloists in their own right, their individual achievements include ABC Symphony Australia’s Young Performer of the Year Awards in 2013 and 2015, as well as a Directors’ Prize from the Australian National Academy of Music.

The core ensemble members are also Musica Viva's inaugural FutureMakers, chosen from a pool of outstanding young groups to lead music into an exciting new future.

The group will host a workshop for local school students during their visit.

“All music should be shared unconditionally,” Van’t Hoff said. 

“It’s such a crucial part of our lives - something that we couldn't live without, so it's really important for us to get out to regional areas to share and educate. You never know where the next amazing wind musician might be hiding!”

The Armidale Town Hall concert starts at 7pm.