AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC in TOWNSVILLE BREAKS ATTENDANCE RECORD
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) has once again increased attendance figures with their 27th annual event attracting more people than ever to the region to enjoy fine music.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music Executive Director Justin Ankus, said he was thrilled with the success of the renowned event, which wrapped up on Saturday evening after 10 days of music making in Townsville in North Queensland.
“We have exceeded all expectations with our box office income up by approximately 10% on last year and attendance up by around 4 per cent on last year to well over 16,500, we will have final box office figures later this week,” he said.
Two thirds of attendees are from interstate collectively contributing more than 28,000 bed nights and an estimated spend of $5.2million in the region.
“We have achieved exceptional houses at all concerts with 10 concerts, a third of our events sold out over the 10 days, and we are ecstatic with those results. The concert in the stunning Queen’s Garden was one of my personal highlights but it’s hard to select just one event, the magical concert in Sacred Heart Cathedral was very well received, the closing night concert was a blast, and the trip to Orpheus Island was spectacular, with an amazing concert and whales spotted on the journey,” he said.
“This has been another amazing Festival, record crowds, great weather and strong support from both Townsville and interstate audiences. Where else would you rather be in winter than here in Townsville listening to the best musicians in the world perform in some unique beautifully locations,” said Mr. Ankus.
The AFCM this year featured a world class program of concerts, collaborations, conversations and masterclasses performed by the world’s best chamber musicians in churches, theatres, gardens and on the stunning Orpheus Island. The final festival for celebrated Artistic Director Piers Lane AO provided a depth and variety of music to entertain everyone. A lineup of 42 extraordinary artists performed at the event, including 13 from overseas, and three leading Australian ensembles in the Goldner String Quartet, Orava Quartet (Strings) and the Nexus Quartet (Saxophone). Four international artists made their Australian debut at the 27th AFCM including Poul Høxbro (Flutes and Percussion) from Denmark, Italy’s Francesca Dego (Violin), Henk Neven (Baritone) from the Netherlands, and from the United Kingdom, Martin Owen (Horn).
For more information visit www.afcm.com.au
The 2018 Festival will be held from 27 July to 4 August, it will be the 28th Festival.
