MUSICAL TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

THE Australian Festival of Chamber Music ( AFCM), in its 25th year, is offering festival goers the opportunity to take a walk through its history.

The quarter- century anniversary will be highlighted by an exhibition in the foyer of the Civic Theatre of the past 24 festival programs, charcoal drawings from the original festival in 1991, as well as seven photos of last year’s shows from Andrew Rankin.

AFCM artistic director Piers Lane said it was a great chance to take a look back on where the festival has come from.

“I heard about the first festival while working in London and was excited. I hoped that I would be able to go one year,” Mr Lane said.

“Little did I know back then that I would direct the festival for nine years.

“And this year is a real celebration: the first artistic director, Theodore Kuchar, is returning to Townsville.”

Mr Lane said the photographs from Rankin had “an uncanny way of capturing the moment, and his exhibition reflects some of those very special moments.”

Rankin, an award- winning photographer, said he was excited to be a part of the festival again this year.

“I have been commissioned again this year and love the unique access to some amazing people, it’s a wonderful assignment,” he said.

“My parents come up from Melbourne for the festival to thaw out each year and it’s always a great time.

“Enjoying fine music and some time with them, we’ll go to as many events as we can.”

The festival opens this Friday.