Australian Festival of Chamber Music to kick off Friday in Townsville

The largest chamber music festival in the Southern Hemisphere is set to begin on Friday, and organisers promise Townsville is about to sound ‘extraordinary’. Check out the events on offer.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music artistic Director Jack Liebeck with Piers Lane. Picture: Andrew Rankin

The largest chamber music festival in the Southern Hemisphere is set to begin on Friday, and organisers promise Townsville is about to sound ‘extraordinary’.

With two world premieres, the official farewell of the Goldner String Quartet, and the debut of 14 musicians, this year’s festival is poised to impress chamber music enthusiasts.

Running from July 26 to August 4, the festival has been a staple in Townsville since 1991 and remains a major event on the city’s social calendar.

It attracts visitors from all over Queensland, Australia, and the world.

The event attracts visitors from all around Queensland, Australia and the world.

The festival’s artistic director, Jack Liebeck, now in his third year in the role, emphasised the special nature of this year’s event due to the return of a former artistic director and beloved Townsville-born musician.

“I am particularly excited to welcome back our former artistic director, the man whom I can credit my entire connection to Australia, Piers Lane,” he said.

“I know his appearance this year will be a major highlight.”

Australian Festival of Chamber Music artistic Director Jack Liebeck with Piers Lane. Picture: Andrew Rankin

He noted another big moment was the last performance for the Goldner String Quartet.

“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,” he said.

Mr Liebeck said after two years at the helm, he realised that festival goers wanted to connect to the music on a deeper, more immersive level.

“One of the distinctive features of the AFCM is its commitment to fostering a unique connection between artists and audiences,” he said.

“The Festival encourages a sense of intimacy and engagement, offering opportunities for attendees to interact with the performers through forums, masterclasses and special events.”

Noting resident musicologist Stephen Johnson as a hit in 2023, Mr Leibeck said that having him on the program again this year was an enhancement to the festival.

“Learning what goes on behind the notes is so valuable to really gain insight into what you hear our musicians perform,” he said.

With events being held in various locations across Townsville including Queens Gardens, cathedrals, hotels, resorts, Magnetic Island and the Civic Theatre, the festival has something for everyone.

Check out a list of the festivals top ten events here.

For more information, tickets and a full list of events, visit www.afcm.com.au

Originally published as Australian Festival of Chamber Music to kick off Friday in Townsville