The Australian Festival of Chamber Music takes music to the regions
The young Brisbane-based Zaza Road Quartet of cellist Mya Whatson, pianist Mai-Lien Olsson, clarinettist Nathanael Duffy and violinist Kevin Hsu
Last year the young Brisbane-based Zaza Road Quartet of violinist Kevin Hsu, cellist Mya Whatson, clarinettist Nathanael Duffy, and pianist Mai-Lien Olsson attended the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s (AFCM) International Masterclasses Program as students, and this year they are leading the event’s Outreach Tour to Charters Towers, Ingham, Ayr and Townsville-Gurambilbarra.
“They are the perfect example of what we aim to do in both programs – to nurture young musicians, and to share music and pathways with North Queensland students through our Outreach Tour & Workshops Program,” said AFCM Pathways Program Director Lloyd van’t Hoff.
Throughout July and August 2024, Lloyd and the Zaza Road Quartet will perform at the World Theatre in Charters Towers, Tyto Amphitheatre in Ingham, the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr and at James Cook University plus special performances on the AFCM Festival Garden Main Stage during the event from 26 July to 4 August.
The tour is more than performances; workshops will be held at secondary schools throughout the region, which in the past included All Souls St Gabriels School, Ayr State High School, Blackheath & Thornburgh College, Charters Towers State School, Columba Catholic College, St Patrick's College, Cathedral School, Pimlico High School and Townsville Grammar School, where they have mentored, inspired and talked to students about careers in music.
“We are hoping that students of music, and related studies, will take part in the workshops and we encourage everyone to come and watch our performances and talk to us about our respective careers and what’s ahead, as well as how students in regional Queensland can pursue careers in music,” said Lloyd.
Kevin Hsu from Zaza Road Quartet said the AFCM International Masterclasses Program, which they experienced last year, is a fantastic experience for any aspiring chamber musician. “We had the chance to play for, and work with world-class musicians of widely differing opinions. This greatly expanded our understanding and skills and now we are going on tour to share our experiences and love of music with regional Queensland students and music fans. It’s very exciting.”
The AFCM Outreach program is an important part of the Festival’s commitment to community engagement, access and development and is made possible with the incredible support of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables (Wilmar).
Wilmar Community Relations Manager Kylie Newman said the company was proud to partner again with the AFCM to support this year’s Outreach Tour & Workshops Program.
“We are pleased to welcome Lloyd and the Zaza Road Quartet back to North Queensland to share their talents with music lovers in our regional communities,” Mrs Newman said. “A key focus of our community support program is ensuring that young people in our milling communities have access to experiences and opportunities that might otherwise be restricted to those in large cities,” she said.
“We know there is a wealth of musical talent in the regional communities of North Queensland and we hope the young people who attend the workshops are inspired to continue to pursue their music studies.”
Dates for the FREE AFCM Outreach Tour concerts are:
- Sunday 21 July, 4:00pm - Tyto Weylands, Ingham
- Monday 22 July, 6:00pm - Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
- Wednesday 24 July, 1:00pm - World Theatre, Charters Towers
- Thursday 25 July, 5:30pm - James Cook University, Townsville-Gurambilbarra (Invitation Only)
To find out more simply visit afcm.com.au
About AFCM Pathways Program Director, Lloyd van’t Hoff
Born in Darwin, Australia, Lloyd came to prominence as the winner of the Grand Prize and Sir Charles Moses Trophy, along with the Triffitt Prize in the 2015 Symphony Australia ABC Young Performers Awards. As a recitalist, he has performed at the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, City Recital Hall, and Elder Hall. He has taught at Melbourne University and the Yale School of Music, has been a guest artist in residence at the Karlstad Universitet Muikhogskolan Ingesund in Sweden, and has conducted masterclasses and teaching residencies in the USA, Canada and throughout Australia. Currently, van't Hoff serves as Head of Woodwind at the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium.
About Wilmar Sugar and Renewables
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is Australia’s largest producer of raw sugar and among the top 10 producers globally. The company is also one of Australia’s largest generators of renewable electricity from biomass and one of only two bioethanol producers. Wilmar’s eight sugar factories produce more than two million tonnes of raw sugar each year and enough renewable energy to power the factories and more than 50,000 homes for a year.
The company’s community support program has a strong focus on encouraging and developing young people, through education and training, sport and the arts. The program is targeted at the regional communities in which Wilmar operates its sugar mills and ethanol distillery in North Queensland. These include the Hinchinbrook and Burdekin shires to the north and south of Townsville.
About the Australian Festival of Chamber Music
Under the Artistic Directorship of the internationally acclaimed Jack Liebeck, the 2024 AFCM will take place in Townsville-Gurambilbarra from 26 July to 4 August. It is a unique 10-day event that entertains and moves audiences with its variety of concerts, stunning line-up of international and Australian musicians and friendly atmosphere. Over 30 music-filled years, the AFCM has forged an impressive international reputation as one of the best chamber music celebrations in the world. AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
26 July to 4 August 2024 in Townsville-Gurambilbarra, North Queensland
Concert tickets, Festival passes and holiday packages on sale now
www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Townsville – the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun; and Bindal people. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders – past and present – and all future generations. We recognise and value the integral role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play in our creative and artistic endeavours.
For media enquiries please contact Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]
