STARTS TOMORROW: Superstars and first time Festival artists arrive in Townsville for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music
AFCM
STARTS TOMORROW:
Superstars and first time Festival artists arrive in Townsville for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music
The 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) begins TOMORROW and is set to strike a glorious chord, with a lineup of 36 musicians including international legends, rising stars and 13 artists from across the globe making their Festival debut, all ready to shine under the tropical skies of Townsville-Gurambilbarra from 25 July to 2 August. Images here
Leading the charge is one of the world’s most revered clarinettists, Michael Collins (UK), whose virtuosity, charisma and sheer musicality have earned him a place among the true greats of classical music. From soloing with the world’s leading orchestras to redefining the clarinet repertoire, Collins is a Festival coup. Carolyn Sampson OBE (Soprano, UK), a globally celebrated British soprano with a radiant tone and exceptional range, joins Michael as a bucket-list artist must-see. She is also making her AFCM debut.
AFCM Artistic Director, the internationally acclaimed UK violinist Jack Liebeck has curated a program that brings together celebrated virtuosos with first-time Festival artists, in what promises to be an extraordinary nine days of music-making, connection, and celebration, including SIX world premieres and one Australian premiere:
- On Monday July 28 during the first Evening Concert called Final Words, the first of two world premiere’s from Andrew Ford will be staged - Machnamh will be performed by Dale Barltrop, Christopher Cartlidge, William Mabo, Michael Dahlenburg and Francesca Hiew.
- In Concert Conversations 5 on Friday 1 August, Sir Stephen Hough’s Cherish this Night: Nocturne for flute and piano will be performed by Joshua Batty and Olga Zado. A commission from AFCM.
- At the Ray Golding Sunset Series 6 The Final Sunset, Australian composer Paul Dean’s work Clarinet Quintet will be showcased by Michael Collins, Timo-Veikko Valve, Catherina Lee, Adam Barnett-Hart, Sophie Nickel. This is the second time Paul Dean has premiered a work at the AFCM.
- The second Andrew Ford world premiere takes place in Concert Conversations on Wednesday 31 July, called The Carnival of Insects. The work features 14 short movements for strings, with specially written poems by the great John Kinsella, that Andrew will read.
- Two world premiere arrangements by Australian James Crabb, one of the world’s leading classical accordionists, round out the six. The first on Sunday July 27 as part of the St James Concert, called PÄRT - My Heart's in the Highlands, arr. James Crabb, performed with Carolyn Sampson OBE and James. The second is during the Ray Golding Sunset Series 6 on Monday 28 July, Bach’s Concerto for Two Keyboards in C minor BWV 1060, arr. for concert accordion, piano and string quintet by James Crabb, performed by James together with Olga Zado, Francesca Hiew, Michael Dahlenburg, Dale Barltrop, Caroline Henbest and Kirsty McCahon
- The Australian premiere will take place during the Ray Golding Sunset Series 2 on Sunday 27 July and is Joseph Havlat’s, A Scandal in Bohemia, to be performed by James Crabb, Stefan Dohr, Mark Smith, Tasman Compton, Lloyd van't Hoff, Alexandra Allan, Joshua Batty and Joseph Havlat himself.
ABOUT:
This year, from 25 July to 2 August, a total of 36 extraordinary musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, will travel to Townsville-Gurambilbarra for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world.
The AFCM has called Townsville-Gurambilbarra its home for 34 years. Each year the event, now under the Artistic Directorship of famed international violinist Jack Liebeck, attracts musicians from around the world to perform across 9 days in July and August. Independent research shows the 2024 event generated a total spending in Queensland by all attendees of $19.98million, up 114% from $9.32million in 2023. The total attendance of 22,106 across all events, was an increase of 31% on 2023, with interstate and overseas visitors increasing by 16%.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 August 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. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
WHAT’S ON THE NEXT FEW DAYS - full program online
Friday 25 July
12:30 PM – Long Table Lunch
Location: Festival Garden (Civic Theatre Forecourt)
Artists & Highlights: Launched by the fresh, vibrant Andromeda Sax Quartet—graduates of the AFCM Pathways Program—this two-course alfresco lunch sets the tone for a celebratory Festival kick-off.
7:30 PM – Opening Night Concert: Reawaken!
Location: Townsville Civic Theatre
Artists: Artistic Director Jack Liebeck joins UK soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE, the Australian String Quartet, Michael Collins, Ana-Maria Vera, and Olga Zado, performing a sweeping program that celebrates chamber music’s power to bloom anew in North Queensland.
Saturday 26 July
10:00 AM – Concert Conversation #1
Location: Civic Theatre C2
Artists & Highlights: Kicking off with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with guests (including James Crabb, Carolyn Sampson, and others), this morning session combines storytelling with 45 minutes of performance and a casual tea & coffee mingle.
2:00 PM – Children’s Concert
Location: Festival Garden
Artists & Highlights: A joyful, free 60-minute set featuring Festival artists—and an appearance by Jack Liebeck—presenting music from The SpongeBob Musical and Ferdinand the Bull. Great for families, perfect for kids.
5:00 PM – Ray Golding Sunset Series #1: Horn of Plenty
Location: Civic Theatre
Artist: Celebrate horn artistry with Stefan Dohr, Principal of the Berlin Philharmonic, in an accessible and enchanting early-evening performance.
7:30 PM – Governor’s Gala: Heavenly Serenade
Location: Civic Theatre
Artists & Highlights: An evening of sublime melodies featuring solo intermezzi (Brahms), ethereal soprano arias by Carolyn Sampson, clarinet brilliance from Michael Collins, and stunning works by Vasks. A celestial musical journey under Liebeck’s masterful direction.
Sunday 27 July
11:00 AM – Sunday Retrospective
Location: St James’ Cathedral
Artists & Highlights: A reflective morning concert blending the old and new with works that echo tradition and innovation—perfectly balanced ambiance in Townsville’s beautiful cathedral setting.
4:00 PM – Lazy Sunday Sounds
Location: Festival Garden
Artists & Highlights: Chill out with emerging artists and guest performers in a laid-back, free garden concert. Ideal for afternoon stroll-ins and spontaneous musical discoveries.
7:30 PM – Sunday Night Concert: Bohemian Rhapsodies
Location: Civic Theatre
Artists & Highlights: A stirring evening of Czech masterpieces—from Dvořák to Janáček—curated for emotional resonance and audience connection. This exclusive night pairs with a magical forest-inspired dinner and wine for Gold Plus subscribers.
Key Facts:
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 August www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
Contact details:
Kath Rose 0416 291 493