Music fest in tune with city
TOWNSVILLE will come alive with the sound of music from Friday with the opening night of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
There will be more than 30 performances throughout the 10- day event from 38 international artists.
Kathryn Stott has a big job ahead of her as the festival’s artistic director. It is her first year in charge.
“It’s really exciting because this is something I’ve planned for over a year,” she said.
Although Ms Stott is new to the position in Townsville, the United Kingdom- based artist has been doing similar roles at festivals for about 23 years.
“I’ve played here in Townsville four times too so because I’ve been here before I understand what the festival is all about,” she said. “I’ve built up relationships in the city and around Australia as well, so that’s a big help.”
Ms Stott said being the artistic director was a “huge challenge and a big responsibility”.
“It’s the biggest chamber music festival in the southern hemisphere and it’s happening here and what a location for it too,” she said. “It’s something to be really proud of in Townsville.”
The festival will have an international flavour with performers from all over the world including Argentina, France, China, Norway and the UK.
Viola player Lars Anders Tomter is excited to be in Townsville for the festival.
“I knew when ( Kathryn) invited me it was going to be something great,” he said.
The opening night is this Friday at 7.30pm at the Townsville Civic Centre. There will be 24 musicians on stage.
“If they come to the first night it will be one hell of a taster of what’s coming up,” Ms Stott said.
“What is really lovely is you immediately start seeing connections between musicians from around the world.”
Performances will be held at different venues throughout Townsville until the finale on August 4.