Keys of Gold is back in 2026!
Following a spectacular debut in 2025, Keys of Gold returns for its second year, once again celebrating Bendigo’s remarkable collection of instruments and venues. Presented by Bendigo Fine Music, the festival will unfold across twelve stunning spaces, featuring thirty-two incredible instruments and one hundred and seventy-five world-class performers.
Across four weekends in July, audiences will be treated to sixteen unforgettable concerts that bring to life the beauty, history and artistry of Bendigo’s musical heritage. From historic churches to intimate settings, every performance promises a rich and immersive experience.
July 2026 • 16 concerts over four weekends
Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maldon and Inglewood
Weekend 1
3-5 JULY
Friday 3 July
2026 Festival Launch Concert
6 pm – 7 pm
Lauriston Chapel, Langley Estate, Bendigo
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
- Merlyn Quaife AM (Soprano)
Saturday 4 July
A Majestic Duet
11 am – 12 pm
Forest Street Uniting Church, Bendigo
- Patrick Savage (Violin)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Christmas in July
4 pm – 5 pm
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo
- Douglas Heywood OAM (Director)
- Merlyn Quaife AM (Soprano)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
- Massed Choirs
- Bendigo Brass Quartet
Sunday 5 July
Long live The King (of Instruments)!
3 pm – 4 pm
St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Weekend 2
10-12 JULY
Friday 10 July
Quite the Liszt!
6 pm – 7 pm
Lauriston Chapel, Langley Estate, Bendigo
- Yasmin Rowe (Piano)
Saturday 11 July
Castlemaine Double
11 am – 12.50 pm
Part 1: In Paradise
Castlemaine Uniting Church
- Bendigo Chamber Choir
- Louise Bottomley (Soprano)
- Peter Hunt (Bass)
- Michael Bottomley (Director)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Interval
Part 2: Coronation Classics
Christ Church, Castlemaine
- Bendigo Chamber Choir
- Michael Bottomley (Director)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Celestial Sounds
4 pm – 5pm
Holy Trinity Church, Maldon
- Yelian He (Cello)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Sunday 12 July
From Notre-Dame to Sacré-Cœur
3 pm – 4 pm
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo
- Johann Vexo, France (Organ)
Weekend 3
17-19 JULY
Friday 17 July
The Bold, the Beautiful and the Bizarre!
6 pm – 7 pm
St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Bendigo
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
- Merlyn Quaife AM (Soprano)
Saturday 18 July
Inglewood Double Day
The Four Seasons
11 am – 12 pm
St Augustine’s Church, Inglewood
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
- Lizzy Welsh (Baroque Violin)
Brilliant Bach!
3 pm – 4 pm
Inglewood Town Hall
- The Coomoora Ensemble
- Lizzy Welsh (Baroque Violin)
- Edwina Cordingley (Baroque Cello)
- Ann Morgan (Harpsichord)
Sunday 19 July
Mozart and More!
3 pm – 4 pm
Long Gully Uniting Church, Bendigo
- Masahide Kurita (Flute)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
Weekend 4
24-26 JULY
Friday 24 July
Duo in Dialogue
6 pm – 7 pm
Lauriston Chapel, Langley Estate, Bendigo
- Yasmin Rowe (Piano)
- Roman Ponomariov (French Horn)
Saturday 25 July
Flourish and Flair!
11 am – 12 pm
St Kilian’s Church, Bendigo
- Louisa Trewartha (Trumpet)
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
* Including the World Premiere of a newly commissioned work by Gordon Kerry
Benjamin Britten – Antiphons & Anthems
3 pm – 4 pm
St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo
- Australian Boys Choir
- The Vocal Consort
- Fiore
- Nicholas Dinopoulos (Director)
Sunday 26 July
Let’s Go to the Opera!
3 pm – 4 pm
St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo
- Melba Opera Trust Artists
- Thomas Heywood (Organ)
‘Until next time’ post-festival reception
4 pm – 5.30 pm
St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
