Nestled between snow dusted mountains and Tasman Bay, the picturesque Nelson region is a fitting setting for the Adams Chamber Festival. The biennial festival brings 10 days of classical music events to the region, with talent from both local and international backgrounds and an audience to reflect. And for Australians, it’s just a stone’s throw across the Tasman, with connecting flights to Nelson from major NZ cities shorter than the morning commute to work.

Announcing an impressive line up, English pianist Kathryn Stott, a familiar face in Australia and a regular at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, will play the Adam Chamber Festival for the first time, as will American string players The Ying Quartet. Australian talent includes internationally recognised vocal ensemble The Song Company, as well as clarinettist David Griffiths. The New Zealand String Quartet are amongst the chamber musicians that represent the country’s own talent.

This year, the festival schedule offers two “Up Close” events, which intend to take full advantage of the setting in New Zealand’s sunshine capital. The Nelson Lakes National Park will play host to a performance by The Ying Quartet. The Moutere area, Nelson’s vineyard district, provides the backdrop for a day tour to...