STRINGING US ON TO PEAK JOY

WALKERS on Castle Hill have had a new string in their step as the city prepares to host the 25th anniversary Australian Festival of Chamber Music.

Afternoon visitors to the hill have been treated to music from local string quartets and bottles of water once they reach the top.

AFCM general manager Sue Hackett said the official nine- day program of events, which will begin on July 31, should be the best in Townsville’s history.

“We have pulled out all the stops for our anniversary year; it will be the biggest and best yet. Music lovers are getting excited about the program and we are ahead on ticket sales,” Ms Hackett said.

“Some events have already sold out but there are still many amazing concerts available that I’d love Townsville residents to experience.”

Acclaimed pianist Piers Lane, who will return for his ninth year as the festival’s artistic director, said the event attracted music and culture lovers to the North Queensland city.

Picture: WESLEY MONTS HIGH CULTURE: Townsville string quartet Ellen Conrad, 16, Lucy Fagez, 17, Aliesha Smith, 17, and Samantha Tibbey, 17, are getting ready for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music with performances on Castle Hill, finishing today.