THE first-ever Bendigo Chamber Music Festival has not yet begun and already waiting lists are forming for next year's event.
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The first of 15 concerts by world-class musicians begins on Wednesday night at the Capital Theatre.
The five-day festival features artists from Australia as well as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
About 3000 tickets have been sold to this year's event, with 35 per cent coming from interstate and more coming from around Victoria, festival co-director co-director Chris Howlett said.
"Bendigo's art scene has a really good reputation and now that Qantas flies down it is easier to get to for interstate travellers," he said.
"We have a group of Sydney-siders who flew in last night and have been spending the day in Bendigo ahead of the concert."
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Demand for festival tickets had Mr Howlett and co-director Howard Penny ready to compose next year's festival even before the first note was played on Wednesday.
"This was a bold idea that we embarked on five months ago. We couldn't have dreamed of the response we have had," Mr Howlett said.
"So we will work out the kinks and come back better than ever.
The main thing will be to book in musicians, because those of, say, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe's book out a year in advance."
The Bendigo Chamber Music Festival continues through to Sunday's farewell concert.
For more information visit bendigochambermusicfestival.com.au