Chamber music festival: must see performances

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville features international artists, debut performances, and interactive events until August 2. Here’s the performances not to be missed.

Charlotte Miles will perform at the Australian Chamber of Festival Music in Townsville. Photo credit Alexandra Muench

Townsville is filled with the sound of magnificent music.

The Australian Chamber of Festival Music started July 25 and will held in Townsville until August 2.

But don’t think stuffy suits and hushed halls, this is a celebration of sound featuring duelling composers to heavenly serenades, guilty pleasure pieces, clarinet legends and unfinished symphonies.

During the festival, 36 musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, are in Townsville for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world.

AFCM artistic director Jack Liebeck said in addition to stunning events, world premieres, and a deep dive into some of classical music’s greatest feuds, he was excited to introduce a host of AFCM debutants and young musicians as well as favourite returning artists.

“The collaboration of young musicians with experienced musicians will be a particular pleasure, as the interchange of ideas and knowledge will happen live on stage,” Mr Liebeck said. “In taking chamber music beyond concert halls, I am particularly happy to welcome iconic ABC Radio National announcer Andrew Ford as our resident musicologist and speaker; his lectures on the history of music will reveal much about our wonderful artform and why performing and listening to music is such an innately human activity.”

Mr Liebeck said one of the distinctive features of the AFCM was 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. I am so excited to continue this in 2025.”

The festival’s artistic director Jack Liebeck says one of the distinctive features of the festival is its commitment to fostering a unique connection between artists and audience Photo credit Andrew Rankin

Here’s what you can’t miss.

AFCM Children’s Concert presented by Townsville Bulletin

Free Saturday July 26, 2pm to  3pm at Festival Garden, Civic Theatre Forecourt

A delightful, free concert featuring Jack Liebeck performing fun favourites like The SpongeBob Musical and Ferdinand the Bull. Ideal for families, rug-friendly picnics, and curious little ears.

Ray Golding Sunset Series 1 – Horn of Plenty

Saturday, July 26, 5pm at the Townsville Civic Theatre

Features French horn virtuoso Stefan Dohr in rarely performed chamber gems. Includes Isidora Žebeljan’s wildly inventive Dance of the Wooden Sticks.

Festival Garden Evening Concert: Adhi Ngumba (Breath of All)

Wulgurukaba Walkabouts & Andromeda Sax Quartet

Free event Saturday, July 26, 6pm to  7pm at the Festival Garden, Civic Theatre Forecourt Experience traditional dance from Wulgurukaba Country with The Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, including Festival Artist William Mabo and contemporary chamber music from the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble, the Andromeda Sax Quartet. Expect a lively cultural exchange - the perfect way to enjoy indigenous storytelling through movement and the vibrant sounds of saxophones under the open sky

Governor’s Gala – Heavenly Serenade

Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm at Townsville Civic Theatre

A beautiful and poignant program of Hensel-Mendelssohn, Brahms, Mel Bonis, George Crumb, and more, led one of the event’s international superstars, UK soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE.

Pianist Olga Zado is set to take the stage during the festival

FREE - Queens Gardens Concert with the Great Barrier Reef Orchestra

Sunday, July 27 at 3pm at Queens Gardens

A stunning outdoor concert conducted by Theodore Kuchar, featuring music by Gershwin, Sculthorpe, Bruch, and Beethoven -with violinist Jack Liebeck and hornist Stefan Dohr.

Ray Golding Sunset Series 2 Sunset Screening – A Scandal in Bohemia

Sunday, July 27, 5pm at Townsville Civic Theatre. Live performance by AFCM artists to the 1921 Sherlock Holmes silent film Scandal in Bohemia, composed and performed by Joseph Havlat and ensemble. Blends cinematic and chamber music excellence.

Ray Golding Sunset Series 3 - Baroque Sunset

Monday, July 28 at 5pm at Townsville Civic Theatre. Reimagined Baroque music from Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, including James Crabb’s stunning accordion and piano arrangements. A fresh take on the old masters.

Milena Pajaro-Van De Stadt is one of the must see performances at the festival

Orpheus-Goolboddi Island Concert

Tuesday, 29 July | Departs 12:30pm | Offsite – Orpheus Island. A unique experience: ferry to a tropical island, enjoy fine music (including Adolphus Hailstork and Fernande Decruck), swim, and dine. A quintessential AFCM memory.

Duelling Composers: Staves Drawn!

Wednesday, July 30 at 7.30pm at Townsville Civic Theatre. A playful musical battle between composers and ensembles curated by Jack Liebeck. Expect humour, innovation, and extraordinary collaborations.

AFCM Illuminates 5 – Music and the Listening Brain

Friday, August 1 at 3pm at Townsville Civic Theatre (C2) Presented by The Guardian, this engaging talk explores how music shapes brain function and perception - blending science and art for the curious mind.

AFCM 2025 Closing Concert – Farewell, but not for long.

Friday, August 1 at 7:30pm at Townsville Civic Theatre. A grand send-off for AFCM’s final Townsville edition.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

July 25 to August 2. Go to afcm.com.au

Originally published as Chamber music festival: must see performances