He has performed with everyone from the Australian Chamber Orchestra to Neil Finn and Patti Smith and brings the same sense of diversity to his new role.

“Music-making at any level must be a two-way natural, enjoyable, memorable and enriching experience for the performer and listener, regardless of age, knowledge, ability or experience,” Mr Crabb said.

“I aspire to excellence but this is not to be confused with elitism - music is for everyone.”

Four Winds chairwoman Sheena Boughen said the Bermagui group was thrilled.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of James Crabb as our Artistic Director with responsibility to lead our year-round program of activities, as well as our iconic biennial Easter Festival,” Ms Boughen said.

“James is an internationally acclaimed classical accordionist and a highly respected and passionate music educator. He will deliver a vibrant, international program of events, which will animate our beautiful performance spaces, ‘Nature’s Concert Hall’, just south of Bermagui.”

Mr Crabb said it was “a wonderful opportunity to build the future of Four Winds as a unique, flagship Australian arts organisation”. 

“I am excited about the prospect of a diverse program that is truly international in its outlook but rooted in such an exceptional place. The community is such an important part of Four Winds, and creating projects and musical experiences with and for the local community is as exciting as our potential to reach audiences nationally and internationally through our program.”

A performer at the 2012 Four Winds Festival, James has appeared at many festivals globally, including at Aldeburgh and the London Proms, and with the ACO in Japan and Europe.

Four Winds said he was renowned for his exciting performances of repertoire spanning six centuries, and was an authority on the music of Astor Piazzolla. 

His diverse background includes performing with Neil Finn and Patti Smith, music theatre productions, contemporary dance collaborations and two longstanding professorships of classical accordion departments in Denmark and Austria. 

“James has extensive experience as a musical director, recording producer and has recorded with various leading labels and artists internationally,”  Ms Boughen said. 

“His collaborative approach will enrich our commitment to making Four Winds a home for music-making in Australia.”

Mr Crabb replaces Paul Dean, whose highly successful 2016 Festival celebrated the 25th anniversary of Four Winds. 

“James’ appointment as the Artistic Leader in this era of expansion for Four Winds will build on our reputation for high quality artistic events and deliver a diversity of art forms and musical experiences,”  Ms Boughen said.

“Four Winds is delighted that James offers a depth and breadth of acclaimed musical leadership with proven ability to energise and inspire.”