One of the world’s best chamber music festivals happens in Townsville and it starts on Friday.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) Artistic Director Jack Liebeck has done it again. In his third year holding the artistic baton, he’s programmed a stunning lineup of international artists, music, conversations and deep dive discussions that takes chamber music well beyond concert halls. What’s he super excited about? Welcoming his friend and former Artistic Director Piers Lane back to Townsville – imagery of the two of them HERE
With two world premieres, the return of Stephen Johnson, Piers Lane, Roderick Williams, Lotte Betts-Dean and Brett Dean, the official farewell of the Goldner String Quartet, the Festival debut of famed cellist and conductor Umberto Clerici and 13 other artists, along with more Guilty Pleasures and the free AFCM Festival Garden, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville-Gurambilbarra is about to sound extraordinary!
AND IT ALL STARTS THIS FRIDAY!
This year, more than 35 artists including 10 international artists, 20 Australian artists and 5 ensembles, will create the music and atmosphere in Townsville-Gurambilbarra for which the AFCM is famed around the world. Fourteen artists will make their AFCM debut and the program includes two world premieres and one Australian premiere.
Jack Liebeck described the highlights, saying, “I am particularly excited to welcome back our former Artistic Director, the man for whom I can credit my entire connection to Australia, Piers Lane. I know his appearance this year will be a major highlight.”
“We will also be saying adieu to our beloved Goldner String Quartet who so movingly announced their retirement during our Festival Farewell in August 2023. The 2024 program is very much a “Goldner-fest”, I hope we will all drink to them during their Champagne Concert Conversations and bid them a wonderful farewell!”
Liebeck said after two years at the helm and watching and talking to audiences, it made him realise that AFCM fans don’t just want to experience music in a passive way, they want to understand it on a deeper level.
“One of the distinctive features of the AFCM is its commitment to fostering a unique connection between artists and audiences. The Festival encourages a sense of intimacy and engagement, offering opportunities for attendees to interact with the performers through forums, masterclasses and special events. This creates a rare and immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to delve into the intricacies of chamber music and gain insights into the creative process.”
“Our resident musicologist Stephen Johnson was such a hit in 2023 that I have invited him to come back, his musical wisdom and insight is truly Festival enhancing. Learning what goes on behind the notes is so valuable to really gain insight into what you hear our musicians perform. Among other things, he will guide us through Ravel Piano Trio and Brahms Horn Trio as well as give insight into what it is in music that really makes us feel something when we listen to it. It will be fascinating,” he said.
“One of my favourite AFCM inventions, Guilty Pleasures, is back again, where I invite musicians to perform their favourite piece of music – from the eclectic to the unusual. It is always wonderful, surprising and inspiring!”
“We will also feature a unique concert Wonderful World by cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca accompanied by the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Momentum Ensemble, featuring breathtaking imagery of our precious earth and beautiful music that is equally as special.”
The Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Australian Festival of Chamber Music offers a spectacular live music program in the postcard setting of tropical Townsville, activating a range of spaces including gardens, a cathedral, hotels and resorts and the Civic Theatre.
“The Queensland Government has proudly invested in the AFCM for more than 30 years, which has grown to be a highlight on the state’s cultural calendar, providing a pipeline of creative employment opportunities, generating important regional economic benefits and reinforcing Queensland’s reputation as a global cultural tourism destination.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
26 July to 4 August 2024 in Townsville-Gurambilbarra, North Queensland
Concert tickets and Festival passes on sale NOW
www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland. The Queensland Government supports the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) through Arts Queensland
Contact details:
Kath Rose
0416 291 493
kath@kathrose.com
