Since its inception in 1990, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music has been the largest festival dedicated to chamber music in the southern hemisphere. The Festival was founded by Professor Ray Golding, former Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University, and Theodore Kuchar, who continued as the Festival’s first artistic director. From 2007-2017, renowned Australian pianist Piers Lane AO acted as Artistic Director and widened the repertoire of the Festival to appeal to a broader audience, followed by pianist Kathryn Stott from 2017-2021. The 2025 program has been meticulously crafted by Artistic Director Jack Liebeck.

Arrive in Townsville on suggested Qantas flights and make your own way to the hotel.

Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private transfer to the hotel, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

At 16:00, join Andy and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel, followed by an early light dinner.

Then, attend the opening night concert, titled Reawaken!, at the Townsville Civic Theatre, featuring an engaging musical program with diverse musical styles.

ARTISTS (PROVISIONAL)
The Australian String Quartet, Alexandra Allan (Oboe), Joshua Batty (Flute), Michael Collins (Clarinet), Tasman Compton (Bassoon), Stefan Dohr (French Horn), Joseph Havlat (Piano), Catherina Lee (Violin), Jack Liebeck (Violin), Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt (Viola), Phoebe Russell (Double bass), Carolyn Sampson OBE (Soprano), István Várdai (Cello)

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Bernstein – I Hate Music, for song cycle I Hate Music
Schubert – An die Musik for Four Voices and Piano, D. 547
G. Williams – Suite for nine instruments
J. Williams – Movement for String Quartet
Jofre – String Quartet and Bandoneon No.1
Spohr – Grand Nonet in F major, Op. 31

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This morning, attend the first of two Concert Conversations at the Townsville Civic Theatre. Delight in a panel discussion hosted by Artistic Director Jack Liebeck, followed by a performance of the works discussed.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Strauss – Four Last Songs
Gade – Tango Fantasia
Elgar – Cello Concerto, Op. 85 (arranged for Clarinet and String Quintet)

After the performance, return to the hotel for some time at leisure before returning to the Townsville Civic Theatre in the late afternoon for the first concert in the Sunset Series, titled Horn of Plenty.

ARTISTS (PROVISIONAL)
Stefan Dohr (French Horn), Michael Collins (Clarinet)

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Bowen – Quintet for Horn and Strings, Op. 85
Žebeljan – Dance of the Wooden Sticks
Dohnányi – Sextet in C major, Op. 37

Then, enjoy dinner at the Townsville Civic Theatre before the Governor’s Gala concert titled Heavenly Serenade, conducted by Michael Collins.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Copland – Appalachian Spring: Suite for Ensemble
Mendelssohn – String Quartet in E-flat major, H277
Vasks – Vientulais Engelis (Lonely Angel)
Mozart – Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A major, K. 622

(BD)

After breakfast, attend a pre-performance talk by Andy. Then, transfer to St James’ Cathedral for Retrospective, a concert of sacred and chamber music.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Tavener – For Cello
Hildegard of Bingen – O Choruscans Lux Stellarum
Pärt – My Heart’s in the Highlands
Pierné – Introduction et Variations sur une Ronde Populaire
Sdraulig – Hat-trick
Edwards – A Flight of Sunbirds
Cawrse – Songs without Words
Mustonen – Nonet II

After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure before attending Bohemian Rhapsodies, the title of this evening’s performance at the Townsville Civic Theatre. This concert features works by Czech composers.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Janácek – Suite for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn
Martinu – The Kitchen Survey
Dvorak – Quintet in A major, B. 155, Op. 81

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This morning, attend the second of the Concert Conversations at the Denise Glasgow Performing Arts Centre.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Anonymous – Scottish traditional medley
Mozart – Adagio, K.V. Anh. II No. 94 for Horn and String Quartet, Unfinished Business
Ford – Little Star
Schubert – Du Bist die Ruh (arranged for String Quartet)
Gounod – Waltz from Faust
Chopin – Nocturne No. 8 in D-flat major for Piano, Op. 27, No. 2

After the concert, join Andy and fellow tour members for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the Townsville Civic Theatre in the early evening for Baroque Sunset, the title of the third concert in the Sunset Series.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Handel – Sonata in D major, Op. 1 No.13, HWV 371
Vivaldi – Concerto in C major, RV 554
Bach – Concerto in C minor, BWV 1060
Handel – Concerto Grosso in A major, Op. 6, No.11, HWV 329

After dinner at the Townsville Civic Theatre, attend the last performance of the tour, titled Final Words.

PROGRAM (PROVISIONAL):
Chausson – For Soprano and Piano Quintet, Op. 37
Murphy – Invocations
Ford – Machnaimh
Mahler – Symphony No. 10 in F sharp major (arranged by Castelletti)

(BLD)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (strongly recommended).

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