What’s happening?
The 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) will run from 25 July to 2 August in Townsville-Gurambilbarra.
The Festival will host 36 musicians, including 11 international artists, three ensembles and 13 artists appearing for the first time. Two of those artists are also making their Australian debut. Leading the program is UK clarinettist Michael Collins, recognised worldwide for his virtuosity and charisma. Joining him is soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE, a British singer praised for her radiant tone and wide range. Both are making their AFCM debut. AFCM Artistic Director and UK violinist Jack Liebeck has built a program of renowned artists and fresh talent.
Why it matters?
This year will be the final time the Festival is held in Townsville before moving to Cairns in 2026. Liebeck said, “This is the heart of the AFCM, seeing musical titans performing alongside first-time Festival artists, sharing the stage, the inspiration, and the magic of chamber music.” He added, “To witness a horn player from the Berlin Philharmonic, a soprano with an OBE, and Australia’s best, and next generation of classical greats all performing on one stage – in tropical North Queensland – is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Local impact
For 34 years, Townsville has been home to the AFCM, which draws audiences from across Australia and the world. The Festival has become part of the city’s cultural identity. It has boosted tourism, increased visitor spending and brought international attention to Townsville-Gurambilbarra.
By the numbers
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The 2024 event generated $19.98 million in spending in Queensland, up 114% from $9.32 million in 2023.
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Total attendance reached 22,106, which was a 31% increase on 2023.
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Interstate and overseas visitors grew by 16%, showing the Festival’s strong national and international pull.
Zoom in
The program includes global names such as Emily Sun from Adelaide and London, described by The Australian as “possessed of a superb talent.” She has performed at Buckingham Palace and plays the 1753 Guadagnini violin, on loan from the UKARIA Cultural Trust. Accordionist James Crabb from Sydney is recognised as one of the world’s leading classical accordionists. Kirsty McCahon from Melbourne is a trailblazer on the Australian classical scene and is known as one of the country’s foremost double bassists.
Among the 13 debut artists are Ana-Maria Vera from Bolivia and USA making her Australian debut, Kyril Zlotnikov from Belarus and Israel, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt from the USA, Olga Zado from Ukraine also making her Australian debut, and Stefan Dohr from Germany, the principal horn of the Berlin Philharmonic. Alexandra Allan, Christopher Cartlidge, Joshua Batty, Tasman Compton, Simon Martyn-Ellis and Sophie Nickel complete the lineup of first-time AFCM performers.
Zoom out
The AFCM is known as one of the most famous chamber music events in the world. Each year it attracts musicians from across the globe. The program for 2025 will mix established masters with rising talents, creating a blend of tradition and new voices. With the event’s move to Cairns in 2026, the 2025 Festival also becomes a farewell to Townsville audiences who have supported the event for more than three decades.
What to look for next?
The Festival begins on 25 July and runs until 2 August. Audiences can expect world premieres, standing ovations and a final chapter for Townsville that will be filled with emotion, memory and music. Tickets are on sale now at www.afcm.com.au.
