What’s happening?
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) is returning to Townsville-Gurambilbarra from 25 July to 2 August 2025, with an extraordinary lineup of 36 musicians, including 11 international artists and 13 debut performers. To help audiences navigate the festival’s 30+ events, Artistic Director Jack Liebeck has shared his Top 5 must-hear concerts.
Why it matters
AFCM has grown into one of the world’s leading chamber music festivals. Its economic and cultural contributions to Townsville are significant. According to Liebeck, this year’s festival will present world premieres, foster collaborations between young and seasoned musicians, and offer unique programs that explore classical music’s rich history and contemporary relevance.
“In taking chamber music beyond concert halls, I am particularly happy to welcome iconic ABC Radio National announcer Andrew Ford as our resident musicologist and speaker,” Liebeck said. “His lectures on the history of music will reveal much about our wonderful artform and why performing and listening to music is such an innately human activity.”
Local Impact
Now in its 34th year in Townsville, AFCM continues to strengthen the region’s profile as a global cultural destination. The event generated $19.98 million in spending across Queensland in 2024, a 114% increase from 2023. In addition, total attendance rose by 31% to 22,106 attendees, with interstate and overseas visitors up by 16%.
The festival recently secured $525,000 over four years from The Ian Potter Foundation, enabling the expansion of the AFCM Pathways Program to support emerging talent.
By the numbers
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$19.98 million in total spending by AFCM attendees across Queensland in 2024 (up 114% from 2023).
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22,106 attendees in 2024 (a 31% increase on the previous year).
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$525,000 in new funding from The Ian Potter Foundation over four years to expand the AFCM Pathways Program.
Zoom In
Jack Liebeck’s Top Five for 2025:
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Governor’s Gala, Heavenly Serenade
On Saturday, 26 July at 7.30pm, this Gala will showcase Fanny Mendelssohn’s Quartet, Brahms’ solo piano Intermezzi, UK soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE, ethereal works by Peteris Vasks, and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with Michael Collins. -
Sunday Retrospective
Taking place Sunday, 27 July at 11am at St James’ Cathedral, this concert bridges past and present musical styles, challenging perceptions of modern music. -
Final Words
On Monday, 28 July at 7.30pm, expect emotional depth with Mahler’s unfinished 10th Symphony (chamber arrangement by Michelle Castelletti), Ernest Chausson’s Chanson Perpetuelle, and the world premiere of Andrew Ford’s Machnamh for didgeridoo and string quartet. -
Goodman’s Clarinet
Set for Wednesday, 30 July at 5pm, this concert explores clarinettist Benny Goodman’s commissioned works. Highlights include Bartók’s Contrasts, Poulenc’s Clarinet Sonata (with accordionist James Crabb), and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. -
Duelling Composers: Staves Drawn!
On Wednesday, 30 July at 7.30pm, the program celebrates classical rivalries. Featured composers include Tchaikovsky vs Brahms, Brahms vs Liszt, and Steve Reich vs Philip Glass.
Zoom Out
Beyond the concerts, the festival offers enriching experiences such as the Long Table Lunch, Concert Conversations, AFCM Illuminates, Sunset Series, free Queens Gardens Concert, Festival Garden program, the Orpheus-Goolboddi Island Concert, and International Masterclasses Concert.
Ticket options include Gold and Gold Plus subscriptions, Silver and Silver Plus subscriptions, and three-night holiday packages via afcm.com.au.
The AFCM is presented with support from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, Townsville City Council, and appears on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
What to look for next?
Tickets are now on sale from 3 March 2025, with early access for AFCM Friends from 3 February 2025. With record growth in 2024 and new funding for the Pathways Program, 2025 is poised to be the festival’s biggest year yet.
As Liebeck said:
“In addition to stunning events, world premieres, and a deep dive into some of classical music’s greatest feuds, I’m excited to introduce a host of AFCM debutants and young musicians as well as favourite returning artists.”
