ABOUT US
PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
PSMF offers a wide ranging and diverse program of classical and contemporary music events permeating the vibrant and beautiful venues of the Mornington Peninsula, from wineries with stunning views to quaint churches and the spectacular hot springs.
Local and international artists feature in programs of music that range from the familiar to challenging, including brand new works as well as crossing all genres and forms. Highlights of previous festivals include international recorder sensation Anna Stegmann at the beautiful Port Phillip Estate, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in a gala event at St Johns, Flinders, Iranian-Australian duo ZӧJ at the Peninsula Hot Springs, and a First Nations/classical collaboration between Jalgany and Melbourne classical group Inventi, performing at both the Peninsula Hot Springs and Aboriginal gathering place, Willum Warrain.
Venues include Peninsula Hot Springs, Aboriginal gathering place Willum Warrain, Moorooduc Estate, Port Phillip Estate and Main Ridge Estate wineries, Balnarring Civic Reserve, St John’s Anglican Church in Flinders (as the festival hub) and four aged care centres across the region.
PSMF includes in their program, a series of outreach and engagement events including free performances for families, events for residents in aged care and partnerships with local indigenous community centres.
Nominated as a Finalist in the Music Victoria Awards (2022) for Best Festival (Metro), PSMF is a vibrant and diverse festival which draws a wide ranging audience to their events and is a highlight of the Australian summer music festival calendar.
PSMF DIRECTORS - Ben Opie and Melissa Doecke
Festival Director’s Ben Opie & Melissa Doecke took over the reigns of the festival in 2023 and can’t wait to share their next program with you. It will feature old favourites as well as some new ideas on how we can experience music on the Peninsula. There will be events for families and some special guests joining us from overseas.
Please contact us to sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed of upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you in January!
PSMF History:
Established in 2008, PSMF had significant support from Foundation Donors Charles Kiefel (AM), Suzie (Chair) and John Fredersdorff, Traudl Moon, Jill Murray and Russell Kenery. There was huge support from the community including outstanding work from Robin Hodgson.
Julia Fredersdorff and Jen Kerr created the now award nominated and critically acclaimed Peninsula Summer Music Festival. The early days of PSMF focused on bringing outstanding international artists to the Peninsula as well as world class ex-pats who might be returning for the summer holidays.
Governing support from Russell Kenery, Bernard Edmondson and Kevin Bell helped navigate the festival to a strong position developing important partnerships with our treasured venues, including St John’s Anglican Church with John and Christine Barren.
An evolving team brought general manager, Merryn Tinkler and her support team including Jen Grinter.
The result was an unparalleled success and set the festival up to grow into what we see today. The current team would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the people who set up and grew the festival to become what The Age has referred to as “an eagerly anticipated fixture in the Victorian arts calendar.”