A winning combination of Queensland’s winter warmth and the world’s finest musicians
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a captivating combination of fine music and seductive tropical climate. Held annually in the North Queensland city of Townsville it has an enviable global reputation for the quality of its distinguished musicians and exciting concerts. It’s a happy meeting place for Australian and overseas visitors who enjoy the opportunity to hear and meet international musicians in the warmly inviting tropical winter setting of Townsville and The Great Barrier Reef. As a holiday destination Townsville provides a wide range of settings, from beaches to rainforest, the outback and tablelands to Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The average temperature in August is 24° with clear blue skies, sunny days and gentle breezes. Add to that the chance to rub shoulders with some of the famous names performing each day and night and you have the perfect recipe for a delightful escape. The 24th Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be held from 1 to 9 August. Over 40 musicians from around the world will come together to perform including Tasmin Little (Violin, UK), Martin Roscoe (Piano, UK), Alexander Baillie (Cello, UK/Germany), Bram van Sambeek (Bassoon, Holland), the Goldner String Quartet, the New Zealand String Quartet, William Barton (Didjeridu, Australia) and many more will join AFCM Artistic Director, Piers Lane AO,
William Barton an internationally renowned pianist based in London to perform in venues in and around Townsville. Highlights in 2014 include special events like the Chefs in the North dinner hosted by Maggie Beer with fine food and fine music to start the Festival, a Concert Crawl, the Governor’s Gala and an ebullient Festival Farewell. There is music all day, every day. We can see it now and we invite you to join us! Take in Concert
Conversations in the morning and hear some curious insights into the artists’ lives and work. Enjoy lunch and a stroll along the Strand in the afternoon then drift on to a one hour 5:30pm Sunset Series concert and an alfresco dinner. Wind up at an Evening Concert or just take the night off and enjoy some of the excellent local produce at one of the many nearby restaurants.
New Zealand String Quartet It’s easy for visitors to book with attractive 3 night holiday packages that include premier accommodation and priority reserved seating at 3 Festival concerts. You can tailor your holiday by adding extra nights, flights, day tours or stops along the way. Try a little or try the lot - once you’ve been you’ll always want to come back! Australian Festival of Chamber Music 1 to 9 August 2014, Townsville North Queensland Visit afcm.com.au for more information. Tickets on sale now.