Christmas with the Con 2026
Christmas with the Con 2026
Join us for our fifth annual Christmas With the Con Live at the Riverside Stage
Join us for a magical evening as the Riverina Conservatorium of Music proudly presents the fifth annual Christmas with the Con, a spectacular FREE community celebration of the festive season at Wagga Wagga's Riverside Precinct Stage.
This much loved event features classical, traditional and contemporary Christmas music performed by the Riverina Conservatorium Orchestra, Simmons Street Big Band, Combined Concert Bands, Mass Choirs, instrumental ensembles and featured soloists.
In 2026, the concert embraces a special Christmas World Music theme, celebrating festive musical traditions from around the globe, from beloved carols and international holiday favourites to rich musical influences inspired by cultures both familiar and far reaching. More than 220 musicians will take the stage in a joyful celebration for all ages. The evening culminates in a specially orchestrated Christmas Medley performed by the Conservatorium Orchestra, followed by a fireworks display over the Murrumbidgee River.
Two large screens will livestream the concert so everyone enjoys the full experience, and a variety of food and drink vendors will be available, or guests are welcome to bring a picnic.
The evening also features the Light a Light of Hope tree lighting ceremony in partnership with Country Hope, supporting local families through this important initiative.
Celebrate Christmas with music, community and riverside magic.
Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Our Vision
“To provide quality music education and performance that is accessible to all, enriching lives and communities in the Riverina.”
Music Education
In School
The Riverina Conservatorium of Music is committed to serving the music education needs of students at school. The RCM works with students from over 18 schools across the Riverina. Many of these students undertake lessons during the day at their school with the RCM teacher of their choice.
Quality Teaching
The RCM is dedicated to providing the best possible music education in the region. In doing this the RCM has developed a comprehensive music education curriculum to support teaching and learning. From their first lesson with the RCM, students are able to engage in a structured music learning pathway that involves them in all aspects of conservatorium life.
RCM teachers are also extremely experienced AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) teachers. The RCM is continually ranked in the top five/ten music schools in NSW by AMEB NSW.
The Value of Music Education
There is no disputing that a music education builds a child's capacity to learn and to enjoy life. In addition to offering many employment opportunities, children who are involved in music education throughout their developmental years are more likely to finish school and do well in their studies.
The Riverina Conservatorium works with all people in our community from young to old. We provide every person with an opportunity to explore their potential through music.
Music can be learnt in groups, as part of an ensemble or individually. Students can choose to learn from a multitude of instruments or they can learn to sing in either contemporary or classical styles.
The RCM also provides valuable advice in supporting music students as they choose a career in music.
Departments
Performance
The Riverina Conservatorium of Music is the Riverina region's principal provider of live music performance.
With over 100 performances a year, there’s something for everyone to hear.
Performance
The Riverina Conservatorium of Music is the Riverina region's principal provider of live music performance.
With over 100 performances a year, there’s something for everyone to hear.
Student Performances
As a key element of their musical education at the RCM, all students are encouraged to perform regularly. Each year hundreds of students participate in the RCM's student recital series, scholarship concerts, and regional tours.
Professional Performances
The RCM is proud of its amazing teaching staff many of whom are also outstanding concert performers. Each year staff and visiting artists perform dozens of concerts from chamber music to orchestral. A highlight of the year is the autumn Lunchtime Concert Series featuring weekly recitals by local, national and international artists.
Ensemble Performances
The RCM is home to over 20 different ensembles. These range from school bands to barbershop chorus groups. There is literally an ensemble for everyone!
Each year these ensembles perform at numerous performance events across the region. A feature of early Autumn and late Spring are the RCM's Outdoor Ensembles Concerts.
2024 Dr Ray King Scholarship recipient Lachlan Cox - Guitar with Dr Ray King.
RCM Alumni and current ABC Young Performer of the Year 2022, Eliza Shephard.
Want to stay up to date with news and events happening within and around the RCM? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter, or view our past editions here!