Whales, White Sands and World-Class Music:
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music's Two Epic Island Concerts
Taking place on the stunning Orpheus-Goolboddi Island and Magnetic Island-Yunbenun, this is island time as only the AFCM can deliver – concerts that celebrate both the region's breathtaking beauty, and the event's global reputation for musical excellence.
There's more.
Audiences will hear performances by world-class artists including renowned British soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE, leading Australian trumpeter and composer Mark Smith, principal flautist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Joshua Batty, celebrated Australian bassoonist Tasman Compton, London-based violinist and AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck, exciting London-based young Australian pianist Joseph Havlat, and rising star cellist, Australian Charlotte Miles – all against the stunning backdrop of northern Queensland's famous islands.
ORPHEUS-GOOLBODDI ISLAND CONCERT
Tuesday 29 July | Departs 12:30pm | Returns 8:00pm
One of AFCM's most beloved traditions, this unforgettable day trip begins with a Fast cat ferry ride across Cleveland Bay – keep your eyes peeled for whales! On arrival at Orpheus-Goolboddi Island, you'll have time to explore pristine beaches, swim in blue waters, or simply breathe in the serenity before the beachside concert.
2025 Featured Artists:
- Carolyn Sampson OBE (Soprano)
- Mark Smith (Trumpet)
- Joshua Batty (Flute)
- Tasman Compton (Bassoon)
Program Highlights:
- Adolphus Hailstork – Variations for Trumpet
- Krzysztof Zgraja – Flamenco Studies
- JS Bach – Partita in A minor BWV 1013 (Bassoon)
- Cheryl Frances-Hoad – Something More Than Mortal (Soprano)
- Fernande Decruck – Variations Saxophoniques
THE ARCADIAN CONCERT ON MAGNETIC ISLAND-YUNBENUN
Saturday 2 August | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Farewell the 2025 AFCM in style at the stunning Arcadian Concert on Magnetic Island-Yunbenun. Set at the newly remodelled Arcadian Surf Club, this elegant finale pairs sublime music with sweeping views over Alma Bay, one of the most stunning bays on the island and the Coral Sea. Join Artistic Director Jack Liebeck, pianist Joseph Havlat and cellist Charlotte Miles as they play out the 2025 Festival with Beethoven's Spring Sonata and other charming surprises.
Tickets are on sale now at afcm.com.au
ABOUT THE AFCM:
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, and features on the It's Live! In Queensland events calendar.
