The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) is set to redefine the boundaries of classical performance with its most ambitious program to date, bringing together an extraordinary ensemble of 36 musicians from around the world for a nine-day celebration of musical excellence in Townsville-Gurambilbarra.
Running from July 25 to August 2, 2025, the festival under Artistic Director Jack Liebeck promises an unprecedented musical experience, highlighted by six world premieres – the most in the event's 34-year history. This landmark edition represents a culmination of artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and musical storytelling that promises to captivate both dedicated classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
At the heart of the festival is clarinet virtuoso Michael Collins, whose international reputation precedes him. Joining Collins is an impressive roster of 11 international artists, including 13 musicians making their AFCM debut and two making their Australian debut. The lineup reads like a who's who of contemporary classical music, featuring performers from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine, Israel, and across Australia.
Jack Liebeck has crafted a program that goes beyond traditional concert experiences. "This year is about more than just music," Liebeck explains. "We're diving deep into classical music's greatest stories, creating live interchanges between experienced musicians and emerging talents, and taking chamber music beyond the conventional concert hall."
A unique highlight is the involvement of ABC Radio National's iconic announcer Andrew Ford as resident musicologist. Ford will not only provide illuminating lectures on music's historical context but will also see two of his world premiere compositions performed during the festival. His work The Carnival of Insects – featuring 14 short movements for strings and accompanied by specially commissioned poems from John Kinsella – exemplifies the festival's commitment to innovative musical storytelling.
The world premiere performances represent a remarkable breadth of musical exploration. Highlights include Sir Stephen Hough's Cherish this Night: Nocturne for flute and piano, Paul Dean's Clarinet Quintet, and two groundbreaking arrangements by classical accordionist James Crabb, including a reimagining of Bach's Concerto for Two Keyboards.
Beyond the musical performances, the festival continues to demonstrate significant cultural and economic impact. Recent funding of $525,000 from The Ian Potter Foundation will expand the AFCM Pathways Program, supporting career development for emerging Queensland artists and driving cultural tourism in the region.
The festival's diverse program includes familiar favorites like Concert Conversations, AFCM Illuminates, the Sunset Series, and the unique Orpheus-Goolboddi Island Concert. A new addition this year is the inaugural Long Table Lunch, promising to blend culinary and musical experiences.
Of particular note is the festival's commitment to showcasing both international talent and Australia's finest musicians. From Emily Sun, who has performed at Buckingham Palace, to emerging talents like Alexandra Allan and Joshua Batty, the lineup represents a vibrant cross-section of musical excellence.
For music lovers, the 2025 AFCM represents more than a festival – it's a celebration of human creativity, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of live musical performance. With its record-breaking six world premieres and an extraordinary lineup of musicians, this year's festival promises to be an unmissable event on Australia's cultural calendar.
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music runs from July 25 to August 2, 2025, in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. Full program and ticket details available at the festival's official website.
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