Australian Festival of Chamber Music hit for a six!
Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) Artistic Director Jack Liebeck has done it again, he’s hit the program for a six!
In his third year holding the artistic baton, he’s programmed a stunning lineup of international artists, music, conversations and deep dive discussions that take chamber music well beyond concert halls in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. There’s two world premieres, the return of superstars 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, and more Guilty Pleasures from artists, the AFCM program is a knockout and ticket sales have been incredibly strong.
Photos:
AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck hits the program for a (violin) six HERE
AFCM artists enjoy Townsville’s Wintersun HERE
The internationally acclaimed event that takes over North Queensland opened on Friday and runs through until 4 August, more than 35 artists including 10 international artists, 20 Australian artists and 5 ensembles, creating the music and atmosphere for which the AFCM is famed around the world.
It was a PACKED AND SOLD OUT opening weekend and international artists performing and music fans from Australia’s southern states are loving the North Queensland wintersun.
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. He has already been a huge hit, he’s like a rockstar with our audience, as is Piers Lane.” 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!”
“ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT 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.”
Christian-Pierre La Marca won a Gramophone Award for his Wonderful World project/recording in 2021. This extraordinary event melds an important message about our place on the planet, with beautiful music and breathtaking imagery, here performed in a one-off format with the wonderful young string players from AYO Momentum.
JACK is also leading by example, with an incredibly full schedule – he’s performing in 16 concerts across the 10 days, as well as being Artistic Director!
TOP 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC
- Chamber music gets its name from the French word "chambre" meaning room. Unlike orchestral music, chamber music is designed for smaller groups of instruments, creating an intimate setting that allows each musician's contribution to be heard clearly.
- Chamber music originated in the courts and salons of European aristocracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was often performed in small, private settings for the enjoyment of a select audience.
- While chamber music can involve various instrument combinations, the string quartet—comprising two violins, a viola, and a cello—is one of the most popular and enduring forms. Composers like Mozart and Beethoven made significant contributions to this genre.
- Chamber music is often described as a "musical conversation" among the instruments. The close proximity of performers allows for nuanced communication and dynamic interplay, creating a rich and interactive musical experience.
- Despite the prevalence of string quartets, chamber music encompasses a wide range of instrument combinations, including woodwind quintets, brass ensembles, piano trios, and even mixed ensembles with diverse instruments like harp, guitar, and percussion.
- Numerous festivals around the world are dedicated exclusively to chamber music. These events bring together renowned musicians and provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills, fostering a vibrant and collaborative community. The AFCM is the largest festival dedicated to chamber music in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Chamber music has evolved over the centuries, adapting to changes in musical styles and instruments. Baroque chamber music differs significantly from the Romantic era's emotional depth, and contemporary chamber music explores avant-garde and experimental techniques.
- Contemporary musicians and ensembles have embraced unconventional venues for chamber music performances. From art galleries to cafes, the genre has found new and unexpected settings, breaking away from traditional concert hall norms.
- The emotive and expressive qualities of chamber music make it a popular choice for film scores. Composers frequently draw on the intimacy and versatility of chamber ensembles to create memorable and evocative soundtracks for a variety of cinematic genres.
- Chamber music sounds better in the tropics, namely in Townsville-Gurambilbarra North Queensland 😉😉
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
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.
JACK LIEBECK’s schedule!
AFCM 2024 Opening Night Concert - Festival Feelings
Concert Conversations 1 with the Goldner String Quartet - Desert Island Treasure
Ray Golding Sunset Series 1 - Spanish Sunset
AFCM Governor's Gala - Angels, Demons and other Nasties...
Sunday Morning Church Concert with Stephen Johnson - Discovering Music
Concert Conversations 2 with Alexandra Raikhlina, Christian-Pierre La Marca, Roderick Williams, Umberto Clerici and Stephen Johnson
AFCM Evening Concert 1 - Melodious Monday
AFCM SPECIAL EVENT: Island Extravagance - Concert & Whale-Watching Tour
Concert Conversations 3 with Katie Yap, Itamar Golan, Shefali Pryor, and Jackie Newcomb
Ray Golding Sunset Series 3 - Symphonic Sunset
Concert Conversations 4 with Piers Lane, Julian Bliss, Timothy Constable and David Berlin
AFCM Evening Concert 3 - Baroque Temptations
Concert Conversations 5 with Anna Rabinowicz, Adam Barnett-Hart, Julian Smiles, Dimity Hall, Kees Boersma
AFCM Evening Concert 4 - Musical Transfigurations
Concert Conversations 6 with Ben Jacks, Benjamin Roskams, Brett Dean, Lotte Betts-Dean and Amandine Savary
AFCM 2024 Closing Concert - Festival Farewell
Contact details:
Kath Rose
0416 291 493
kath@kathrose.com
