Alison Harvie has always had the Festival on her bucket list.  A regular at the Music in the Hunter, Alison was one of the first people to purchase a platinum pass this year. 

Q. This is your first festival, what made you make the decision to attend? I have chosen a Platinum pass. I couldn’t choose nor did I want to miss any of the wonderful concerts so this way I get to go to them all including all the special events.  I’m very pleased to have the convenience of a bus service timed specifically for each concert. Flying from Sydney I won’t have any use of a car as the Festival will absorb me completely.

 

Q. What are you expecting to be the highlights at the festival? I am particularly looking forward to starting my days at Concert Conversations. The opportunity to listen to Kathy Stott chatting with the musicians followed by the music sounds perfect.

 

The cruise to Orpheus Island and the concert on the beach with the combination of Chinese instruments, bandoneon, clarinet, flute and trumpet  also sounds idyllic. The trip back cruising in the sunset while being served food and wine will be a real treat.

Q. Of our 2018 Artist line up, who are you most looking forward to see? I am a keen follower of the Goldner String Quartet, and have regularly attended their chamber music festival in The Hunter Valley. It will be wonderful to see them performing in Townsville.

Q. Are there any other attractions you are looking forward to experiencing in North Queensland while you are here? I am looking forward to experiencing the tropical winter weather that Townsville offers, it will be a delight.

 

Q. What are you most looking forward to at AFCM 2018? The music, the weather and the people!

Q. Is there a song that never fails to move you emotionally? It’s not really a song but the 1st movement of Schubert’s B flat (last) Piano Sonata gets me every time - it begins in a seemingly understated way but is actually very weighty and heartfelt - and then it goes to some totally amazing places as the work progresses. It makes me wish I was still a pianist (I did play this in my late teens when I was still playing). 

Q. What is your greatest concert experience?  I don’t think I can go past my 1999 Young Performers live TV concert presentation with Markus Stenz and the MSO - I was so young (23) yet not at all nervous and I just felt totally in the moment and focused the entire time - I enjoyed it so much - and winning was the icing on the cake!.

Q. What is the best piece written in the past 50 years? Since I specialise in the music of the last 50 years it is totally IMPOSSIBLE for me to single out a specific work from that period of time (in my view the most exciting and varied period of music and art making in the history of the world) - BUT if I had to single out one that I am currently really inspired by (and have been for many years) it would have to be Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich - in my view the best minimal work written for large ensemble in history and so fun to play!

Q.What is your fondest musical memory?  Well I had the same piano teacher, Faye Lake from the age of about 7 till I was 20 - and now my daughter Poppy goes to her for piano lessons and they are in the exact same room that I learnt in and every time I drop her off all manner of fond memories return to me.  

Q. What was the last piece of music you danced to?  I’m not a big dancer so probably a song that my girls (Poppy 8 and Violet 10) put on in the living room before dinner last week - lets say it was Shake It Off by Taylor Swift.

Experience a half-day tour to one of the region’s most sought after destinations. Cape Cleveland Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be built in Townsville back in 1879. The isolation and beauty of this part of North Queensland is just as striking as it was in the early years.

This informative tour of Townsville’s history commences with a journey across Cleveland Bay taking in spectacular views along the way (approx. 40 minutes). On arrival to Cape Cleveland you will be taken ashore by barge, from there you can take the walk up to the lighthouse and enjoy historical displays with past and present residents. Spend your time taking in the natural beauty that Cape Cleveland has to offer or book a helicopter flight for an aerial view of this beautiful region. After a morning of exploration, enjoy tea and scones before the return journey. 

Applications for the AFCM Junior Winterschool Workshop close on Friday 29th June.

Music teachers, parents and community members are encouraged to share details about this opportunity with aspiring young musicians in North Queensland region. 

This is a chance for them to work with international musician, composer and teacher Pavel Fisher. 

The two-day interactive workshop will be chance to gain new skills to help take their musical talents to a new level. Attendees will also get to perform for festival audiences in a concert at St James Cathedral and receive tickets to attend a concert during the AFCM.

Save time and pre-purchase your meals for in between sunset series and main concert series with the festival forecourt five.

For $29.95 you will receive a glass of wine and meal plus a reserved seat at one of the long tables in our forecourt.

Bookings are essential as seating is limited so contact the Ticketshop on 1800 449 977 today to purchase your 3 night or 5 night dining passes before 15 July.  

Renowned around the world as the must-see events of the Festival, the famous Concert Conversations are guaranteed to entertain.

With a move to the Pavilion at The Ville, the greater capacity means we can fit more people in. Enjoy Artistic Director Kathryn Stott chatting with several visiting musicians before a superb 45-minute concert and then refreshments on the verandah overlooking the water.  A truly enjoyable morning out!

The Artist behind the Piano

Join us for a journey of pianistic history by unravelling the hidden elements and how music transcends from wood and strings, to the magic melodies that we hear. 

On Monday July 30 at 3pm at St James' Cathedral, concert technician, Ara Vartoukian of Theme & Variations brings this together in a simple and interesting way.  

This Free Event is not to be missed.

Under 30 for $30

If you are a student or simply 30 years of age or under, then you can attend any Festival concert at the Townsville Civic Theatre for just $30 – that’s a saving of up to $51! There are 12 concerts to choose from including Opening Night, Governor's Gala, Bach by Candlelight 1 and 2, and the hugely entertaining Festival Farewell concert. Or if you become a student member for just $30 you will receive a host of benefits including two free tickets to any concert at the Townsville Civic Theatre. 

Support the AFCM Winterschool 

The AFCM Winterschool can transform a young musician’s life and Artistic Director Kathryn Stott believes passionately in this process and how it can inspire and stimulate a young musician. Please consider an end of financial year donation in support of our next generation.

All donations are tax deductible and no matter how big or small they are all very much appreciated.