The 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) begins in two weeks and is set to strike a glorious chord, with a lineup of 36 musicians including international legends, rising stars and 13 artists from across the globe making their Festival debut, all ready to shine under the tropical skies of Townsville-Gurambilbarra from 25 July to 2 August.
Leading the charge is one of the world’s most revered clarinettists, Michael Collins (UK), whose virtuosity, charisma and sheer musicality have earned him a place among the true greats of classical music. From soloing with the world’s leading orchestras to redefining the clarinet repertoire, Collins is a Festival coup.
Carolyn Sampson OBE (Soprano, UK), a globally celebrated British soprano with a radiant tone and exceptional range, joins Michael as a bucket-list artist must-see. She is also making her AFCM debut.
AFCM Artistic Director, the internationally acclaimed UK violinist Jack Liebeck has curated a program that brings together celebrated virtuosos with first-time Festival artists, in what promises to be an extraordinary nine days of music-making, connection, and celebration.
A trio of globally famed-Australian artists add serious star power to the program, including:
- Emily Sun (Violin, Adelaide/London) – Described as “possessed of a superb talent” (The Australian), Emily has performed at Buckingham Palace and is currently Violin Professor at the Royal College of Music, London. She performs on the 1753 Guadagnini ‘The Adelaide’ violin, on loan from the UKARIA Cultural Trust.
- James Crabb (Accordion, Sydney) – One of the world’s leading classical accordionists and a fierce champion of new music, known for his technical mastery and expressive power.
- Kirsty McCahon (Double Bass, Melbourne) – A trailblazer on the Australian classical scene, Kirsty is a bass player, curator, educator, and environmentalist – widely regarded as one of the nation’s foremost double bassists.
This year’s 13 debut artists is a leaderboard of classical and chamber music must-haves, with organisers excited to welcome them all for the first time, with two marking their Australian debut as well:
- Ana-Maria Vera (Piano, Bolivia/USA) –Ana-Maria brings international acclaim and poetic power. Also her Australian debut.
- Kyril Zlotnikov (Cello, Belarus/Israel) – Founding member of the famed Jerusalem Quartet, Zlotnikov brings a rare depth and elegance to his AFCM debut.
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt (Viola, USA) – Praised by The Strad for her “silky tone and beautiful, supple lines,” Milena is a standout soloist making her AFCM debut.
- Olga Zado (Piano, Ukraine) – Known for her sensitive touch and poetic interpretations, Olga makes her Australian and Festival debut in 2025.
- Stefan Dohr (French Horn, Germany) – Principal horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, Dohr is regarded as one of the world’s greatest living horn players. His AFCM debut is a major festival moment.
- Alexandra Allan (Oboe, Melbourne) – A brilliant new voice in Australian woodwinds and part of the MSO Academy, Allan makes her AFCM debut.
- Christopher Cartlidge (Viola, Sydney) – Known for his work with the Australian String Quartet and leading orchestras, Cartlidge debuts at AFCM with anticipation.
- Joshua Batty (Flute, Sydney) – The principal flute of the SSO, Batty is in demand globally and brings his brilliance to his first AFCM.
- Tasman Compton (Bassoon, Melbourne) – A standout emerging artist from Hobart and the MSO Academy, making his Festival debut.
- Simon Martyn-Ellis (Theorbo & Guitar, Hobart) – A master of historical plucked instruments and an expert in early music, debuting with charm and craftsmanship.
- Sophie Nickel (Viola, Cologne/AUS) – A talented violist forging an international career across Europe and Australia, making her AFCM debut.
“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,” said Jack Liebeck. “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.”
What makes 2025 even more poignant is that it will be the final year the Festival is staged in Townsville, before relocating to Cairns in 2026. As such, this year’s program promises more than just virtuosity – it will be a heartfelt farewell celebration for the ages, honouring the legacy, audiences and music magic that has made the past 35 years in Townsville so extraordinary. Expect world premieres, standing ovations, and a Festival overflowing with emotion, memory and music.
ABOUT:
This year, from 25 July to 2 August, a total of 36 extraordinary musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, will travel to Townsville-Gurambilbarra for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world.
The AFCM has called Townsville-Gurambilbarra its home for 34 years. Each year the event, now under the Artistic Directorship of famed international violinist Jack Liebeck, attracts musicians from around the world to perform across 9 days in July and August. Independent research shows the 2024 event generated a total spending in Queensland by all attendees of $19.98million, up 114% from $9.32million in 2023. The total attendance of 22,106 across all events, was an increase of 31% on 2023, with interstate and overseas visitors increasing by 16%.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 August
Tickets on sale NOW
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AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
