A blues session with Tim Griffin and William Barton on didgeridoo? Introducing FESTIVAL GARDEN: the (second) beating heart of the Australian Festival.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music Introducing FESTIVAL GARDEN: the (second) beating heart of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
Fancy high tea with Maggie Beer? What about a chat with Australian literary icon David Malouf, a blues session from the master Tim Griffin, the full Carnival of the Animal Concert or a screening of the Antarctica Suite with an epic score by Nigel Westlake? Yes? Read on…..
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) just got even better: announcing FESTIVAL GARDEN, the beating heart of the AFCM, which for nine days and nights will come alive in the parkland beside the Townsville Civic Theatre in a celebration of food, wine and music, and so much more!
FESTIVAL GARDEN is a new addition to the AFCM, created by Artistic Director Jack Liebeck as a place for festival goers and music lovers to gather, meet musicians, savour local food and wine, enjoy on-stage conversations with some of the country’s leading cultural identities, be entertained with a variety of concerts and presentations and soak up the sounds of paradise. In even better news, most Festival Garden events are free.
The hugely exciting addition to the AFCM will see an enchanting garden created, home to formal and informal concerts and entertaining performances and pre- and post-concert gatherings.
The full program has been released today and includes a fantastic range of experiences, including High Tea with Maggie Beer hosted by ABC Classic’s Damien Beaumont, talking about her love of music and food, concerts by a range of outstanding local and national ensembles and jazz trios, Australia’s famed didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton performing with the Wulgurukaba Walkabout Dancers, Conversations with the Goldner String Quartet talking 25 years of performance and also with Australian literary icon David Malouf, jazz from one of the country’s leading masters in Mike Rivett, a screening of the Antarctica Suite, with the epic score by Nigel Westlake, and even a Little Egypt Speakeasy!!
The 31st AFCM boasts 32 events, 33 world-class artists, including five international and 28 Australian musicians, and three major new festival experiences, including Guilty Pleasures, AFCM Illuminates and the Festival Garden. AFCM opens with three powerful world premieres over the first three days, part of a stunning line-up of over 130 works in total, to be staged from 29 July to 7 August in Townsville.
F E S T I V A L G A R D E N
Including the James Cook University Main Stage
FRIDAY 29 JULY
1 PM – 2.30 PM:
Industry Discussion: Creative Industries in the Regions – How arts and culture grow local economies.
Led by AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps, industry leaders will explore how the arts often underpin regional economic growth. In 2016-17 the cultural and creative economy was worth $111.7B to the Australian economy (6.4% of GDP), and the total cultural and creative workforce was 868,098 people or 8.1% of the Australian workforce.
7.30 PM – 8.30 pm
Immerse, James Cook University (JCU) Main Stage.
Immerse is a contemporary and exciting 4-piece group creating ‘in-the-moment’ improvised music on exotic instruments from around the world, including hand pans, wooden flutes from Armenia and Slovakia and percussion instruments from the middle east, all against the backdrop of electric piano and synthesizer.
9 PM – 11.30 PM
Above & Below Jazz Trio, Empire Theatre
It’s the late-night lounge with a Townsville-based jazz trio playing cool, laid-back jazz! Starring Jarrah Jones on guitar, Jim Bonanno on drums and Tim Doolan on acoustic and electric bass, this young trio will bring the vibes!
SATURDAY 30 JULY
12.30 PM – 2 PM
Schools Concert, Townsville Grammar & Cathedral Schools, JCU Main Stage
Some of Townsville’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert featuring talented big bands, orchestras and string ensembles. Fans are welcome to bring a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.
6.30 PM – 7.15 PM
Amiti String Quartet, Micro Stage
Experience the music of this impressive young Brisbane-based ensemble making a name for themselves in the classical music world. Featuring light classics and pop arrangements.
7.15 PM – 8.00 PM
Drum Circle – Alex Salvador &The Rhythm Connection, Micro Stage
Join in the fun with Townsville’s hugely popular community drum circle under the stars.
9 PM – 11 PM
1RAR Jazz Quintet, Empire Theatre
Chill in the lounge with the much loved, and supremely talented 1st Royal Australian Regiment band pared back to a more intimate jazz ensemble playing popular jazz ballads with a little hip hop thrown in!
SUNDAY 31 JULY
4 PM – 5.30 PM
Festival Garden Concert, Main Stage
Co-presented by Townsville City Council, this annual concert in the park is a Festival highlight. Bring the family to hear the Barrier Reef Orchestra perform along with AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck and musician Peter Luff. Pack a picnic and enjoy this fabulous concert in the garden.
5.30 PM – 7.15 PM
A Celtic Sunday Session, Sea Shanties and Sad Song, Micro Stage
Led by North Queensland’s premier Celtic band,33 1/3, this bunch of energetic Celtic music buffs will entertain with traditional Irish music. Enjoy live music, singing and even a Guinness or two!
6 PM – 7 PM
Lontano, Empire Theatre. Presented by Arts Queensland.
Lontano is a wonderful musical duo of Anthony Dettori (The Sunburys) and Roz Pappalardo (Women in Docs and The Soldier’s Wife), performing alt country-folk songs that will appeal to fans of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
MONDAY 1 AUGUST
3 PM – 4.15 PM
High Tea with Maggie Beer, Empire Theatre. Tickets $110-125
It’s high tea with Australia’s most loved culinary icon Maggie Beer, hosted by ABC Classic’s Damien Beaumont, talking about her love of music and food. A truly memorable afternoon.
6.30 PM – 7 PM
William Barton & Wulgurukaba Walkabout Dancers, Main Stage
Internationally acclaimed didgeridoo artist William Barton is joined by First Nations cultural group the Wulgurukaba Walkabout Dancers, who have built a national and international reputation.
7 PM – 7.45 PM
Wollemei Quintet, Micro Stage
Wollemei is a fun, young Sydney-based wind quintet. Featuring light classics and pop arrangements.
9 PM – 11 PM
Late Night Live Music, Empire Theatre: Kick back in the late-night lounge and listen to some soulful music.
WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST
3 PM – 4 PM
Industry Discussion: Indo-Pacific Music Exchange – Engaging our Region in Creative Innovation. Empire Theatre
Led by Teresa Famularo and AFCM Board member Russell Mitchell, the Indo-Pacific New Music Exchange (IPANEMA) is proposed as a future gathering of creatives in Townsville, linked to the AFCM and focusing on New Music from the Indo-Pacific region, including contemporary classical music, art music, cultivated music, serious music, canonic music and music considered to be of high aesthetic value. There is currently no such platform. Panellists will explore how IPANEME could fill this gap.
6.30 PM – 7.30 PM
AFCM Illuminates II – In Conversation with the Goldner String Quartet, JCU Main Stage
Celebrating 25 years as one of Australia’s leading string quartets, the Goldner String Quartet chat to Festival Director Jack Liebeck about their musical journey and the special place Townsville and the AFCM holds.
7.30 PM – 9.30 PM
Let’s Twist Again – 45 RPM, Empire Theatre. Tickets $15-20
45 RPM and their authentic 50’s and 60’s rock and roll music…. think Elvis, Buddy Holly and a whole lot more, supported by the Townsville R&R Dancers.
9.30 PM– 11.30 PM
Late Night Live Music, Empire Theatre: Kick back in the late-night lounge and listen to some groovy music.
THURSDAY 4 AUGUST
3 PM – 4 PM
Elders Tent: First Nations conversations, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Empire Theatre
Led by Aunty Rosalind Sailor, the Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to all Australians. It is a call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about this country’s history.
6.30 PM – 7.15 PM
Mike Rivett Quartet, Micro Stage
Superb jazz musician Mike Rivett recently one Australia’s most prestigious jazz awards. He’s performed extensively in Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA, and now you can see his warm-up act live and free.
7.15 PM
Film Screening – Antarctica Suite, score by Nigel Westlake, JCU Main Stage
Antarctica Suite brings audiences to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent. With a grand score for orchestra and guitar by Australia’s Nigel Westlake (Babe, Babe: Pig in the City, Miss Potter), Antarctica Suite connects us to this earthly wonder, covering the history, ecology and beauty of Antarctica. This screening is presented in partnership with the Townsville Cinema Group, free under the stars.
8.30 PM – 11.30 PM
Mike Rivett Quartet, Empire Theatre. Tickets are $15-20
Internationally acclaimed jazz musician Mike Rivett brings his quartet to the late-night lounge.
10.30 PM – MIDNIGHT
Film Screening – The Life Aquatic, JCU Main Stage
The Life Aquatic is a movie about regret and old age, but also about hope and getting second chances to mend relationships in life that we damage or estrange… or completely burn to the ground!
FRIDAY 5 AUGUST
3 PM – 4 PM
In Conversation with David Malouf, Empire Theatre
David Malouf is an Australian literary icon and internationally recognised author with over 18 books published and multiple literary awards. Does he chat with Sue Cole, owner of Mary Who? Book Store and does some readings and book signings.
6 PM – 7.15 PM
Wine Tasting with Brown Brothers, Empire Theatre
Festival sponsor Brown Brothers will delight guests with tastings and tempt us with their specially created Festival cocktail, the Sunset Spritzer!
6.30 PM – 7 PM
Dancebreak with Dancenorth, JCU Main Stage
Dancebreak encourages a focus on how the movement feels rather than what it looks like. It’s about freedom and the joy of movement. Give it a go! Led by Dancenorth instructors to the beats of a DJ.
7 PM – 9.30 pm
Global Dance Collective – Havana Nights Tropical Dance Party with DJ Dreadjaun, JCU Main Stage
Join in the fun of salsa dancing under the beautiful night sky with displays and instructions on Latino dancing. DK Dreadjuan will have everyone on their feet. Wear your tropical gear and get in the groove!
9 PM – 11 pm
Tim Griffin, Blues Master, Empire Theatre. Tickets are $15-20
Tim Griffin is a multi-award-winning musician who has performed all over the world, including residencies on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He is joined by duo partner Blake “the Dr “Spady on harmonica for a chilled night of blues and storytelling.
SATURDAY 6 AUGUST
12.30 PM – 2 PM
Schools Concert, Pimlico High and St Patrick’s College, JCU Main Stage
Some of Townsville’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert with big bands, orchestras and string ensembles.
4 PM – 5 PM
AFCM Families’ Concert – Carnival of the Animals, Main Stage. Tickets $10-30
5.30 PM – 6 PM
Dancebreak with Dancenorth, Micro Stage
Activate and energise your body, connect to other people and your community, led by Dancenorth instructors.
6 PM – 7.30 PM
1RAR Big Band Concert, JCU Main Stage
Starring 22 specialist musicians, Townsville’s own Band of the First Battalion (1RAR Band) will entertain with music from the classics to the current, from Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington through to Buddy Rich Sammy Nestico and Ben Patterson.
7.30 PM – 8 PM
Drum Circle – Alex Salvador &The Rhythm Connection, Micro Stage
Join in the fun with Townsville’s hugely popular community drum circle. It’s enjoyable music in the garden, under the stars.
9 PM – 11.30 PM
Little Egypt’s Speakeasy, Empire Theatre. Tickets are $15-20
Delight your senses with feats of fantasy set to soaring Arabic music, and marvel at the skill of belly dancing and dance of a bygone era. The show includes solo and group acts, with swords, fans and silk veils. Plenty of fun and audience participation.
Over 30 music-filled years, the AFCM has forged an impressive international reputation as one of the best chamber music celebrations in the world, and while the last two years have been extremely challenging, Jack Liebeck has created a fascinating program that is as spiritually and intellectually enriching as it is celebratory; and an artistic line-up that is exceptional and exciting.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
29 July to 7 August 2022 in Townsville, North Queensland
ALL tickets at www.afcm.com.au
