Local composer and festival director Emma Jayakumar is bringing a new celebration of music, creativity and community to Kalamunda through the Arboria Chamber Music Festival.
Growing up in Lesmurdie and attending St Brigid’s College, Emma credits an inspiring music teacher for nurturing her passion for music from an early age. After studying at WAAPA, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and London’s Royal Academy of Music, she built a career in opera before returning to Australia to focus on her true passion, composition. Reflecting on her journey, Emma said, “Looking back now I think I was always meant to be a composer.” Today, she combines her creative work with music education through West Australian Opera’s outreach programs.
Named after the Latin word meaning “of the trees,” Arboria was created to provide opportunities for independent artists, new works and intimate musical experiences. Kalamunda was a natural choice for the festival’s home. Having lived and worked around the world, Emma says returning to the Hills felt right. “The Hills are not only scenically beautiful, but the community are so welcoming and friendly,” she said. “It’s the perfect place for a festival! It’s my home, and I want others to share in its beauty as well.”
The festival program offers something for everybody, featuring modern art music, opera, vocal performances, early music, Irish folk music, sound meditation, composition workshops and family-friendly entertainment. One of the highlights is Emma’s new song cycle, Celestial Bodies being performed by the Darlington Quartet. She is also particularly excited about Australian Baroque performing Bach’s hilarious Coffee Cantata about a young woman’s obsession with the beverage, and H.I.P Company are performing a concert with replica renaissance Viols amidst the gorgeousness of the Memory and Cloth Exhibition in the Zig Zag Gallery. These events will just be magic.
Family favourites include Little Red and The Wonderful World of Mr McGee. The family events are especially close to Emma’s heart, describing them as “witty, accessible, hilarious and fun,” adding, “why should the adults have all the fun?!”
Held across seven venues throughout Kalamunda, the festival is designed to create a vibrant and walkable cultural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy concerts alongside local markets, cafés, restaurants and wineries. Most performances run for 40 to 50 minutes, making it easy to explore multiple events across the weekend. Ticket prices range from $30 to $50, with discounts available for seniors, students and families.
For visitors, the Arboria Chamber Music Festival is a wonderful way to experience the best of the Perth Hills, and the perfect excuse for a cultural day trip or weekend escape. More information and ticket bookings are available at www.arboriafestival.org.au.
To discover more exciting spring events and to plan your trip, please visit www.experienceperthhills.com.au/kalamunda or pop into the Kalamunda Visitor Centre, open 7 days a week.