He was only seven when his beloved uncle, Arther Peterson – an elder of the Waanyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga tribes – started to teach him how to play the didgeridoo.

“What I remember so clearly from my uncle is him telling me that the didgeridoo is a language,” he explains.

“It’s a speaking language, and like any language it’s something that you’ve got to learn over many months and many years. It’s got to be a part of you and what you do.”

By the time Barton was 12, he was performing in Aboriginal dance troupes in Sydney.

Touring internationally since the age of 15, Barton played his first classical concert with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra when he was 17.

“I’d performed in front of large crowds before that but the Queensland Symphony Orchestra was completely different,” he says.

“I felt it was the beginning of a chapter in my life. It was a platform for expression, to unite and reconcile Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

“I felt that that style of music could connect with people from all walks of life, in the concert hall, their gathering place.”

Described as the most-feted didgeridoo player of his generation, the 40-year-old has collaborated with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian String Quartet and the London Philharmonic Orchestra and played all around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Buckingham Palace.

This month, the ARIA award-winning artist will take part in the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) held in Townsville.

This isn’t Barton’s first performance for the renowned festival – he has performed at it since early 2000.

He says he enjoys performing at the festival immensely.

“To open that concert hall space for the community and to connect and listen to a uniquely Australian repertoire is very, very special,” Barton tells the Townsville Eye.

“I’m extremely happy that I’ve performed at the amazing Australian Festival of Chamber Music for so long,”

Barton will perform in the Queens Gardens Concert at 3pm on July 25; the Sunset Series Concert B4, at the Townsville Civic Theatre, at 5pm on July 26; and the Sounds Like Paradise Dinner on Magnetic Island on July 27.

The AFCM will be held between July 23 and August 1 and will include 40 of the best Australian musicians in world- exclusive combinations.

AFCM artistic director Kathryn Stott says audiences can expect the same amazing packed-to-the-rafters musical experience that the AFCM is known for.

“The festival this year shines a major light on Australian artists from around the country and after the musical isolations we’ve all experienced, it’s just so exciting to bring them together in Townsville this month,” she explains.

“Musicians are really craving the chamber music experience more than ever, and I think audiences are going to enjoy being part of this, too.”

This year, the festival was, sadly, unable to bring the international musicians to Townsville.

“We all know the reasons why and it’s simply one of those aspects that had to be dealt with,” Stott says.

“Having pushed the number of international artists to 17 this year (an all-time high), it was very sad to then pull them out again.

“However, never one to shy away from a challenge, I’m supremely confident in all the fantastic Australia musicians coming to Townsville – many for the first time.

“This will be the only year this happens and, therefore, in its own way, this edition of the festival will be incredibly special.

“I hope it will bring into super sharp focus just the vast array of musical talent Australia has to offer.”

The event is the biggest chamber music festival in Australia. Stott says it has consistently offered the very best chamber music experience to its audience for the past 30 years.

“The combinations of artists working together for the first time always bring excitement,” she says.

“But perhaps the mix of inventive programming and the very careful considerations of matching up music with musicians is what makes it actually tick.

“I feel AFCM has maintained this wonderful status in the artistic calendar because it has consistently delivered what we say it will.

“Musicians push themselves to their absolute limits during the festival period, often with a very challenging repertoire, and it’s simply in their DNA that they want to give their all to this experience.”

Stott says with a happy sigh that the highlights of this year’s festival were “too many to mention”.

“Well, I’ve always said that everyone should come to our opening night because this gives a flavour of what we are about, not to mention introducing many of the festival artists who will be performing over the next 10 days,” she explains.

“Commissions pay an important part of our work and I’m beyond thrilled that Yorta Yorta composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham has written Nginda Ngarrini Bi Ngya for us as a tribute to the land on which the festival takes place.

“I’m particularly excited about the commission with Dancenorth, and you’ll be able see what they have created for us on July 29.

“If you want a more up-close experience with festival musicians, then our morning Conversation Concerts are not to be missed.

“This year, Russell Torrance, from ABC Classic, will be chatting each morning with selected musicians, followed by a music recital.

“Lighter musical treats in the festival program include Ravel’s Bolero on 4 cellos and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas, which featured in the Disney film Fantasia.

“As always, there are some truly great offerings from the chamber music repertoire and these are scheduled throughout the whole festival, so simply too many to single out.

“It’s with great anticipation that we welcome back didgeridoo player, William Barton, and former artistic director of AFCM Piers Lane.

“Lastly, don’t miss our final concert on Saturday, July 31, when we really pull out all the stops to celebrate our 30th anniversary with our fantastic artists, and introduce the youngest-ever musician to come to AFCM.”