Photo: The Australian String Quartet perform in the opening night concert of the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. Photo by: Rob Parsons

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music moves from Townsville to Cairns in 2026 but right now it’s basking in the sun in the North Queensland capital.

Now in its 34th year, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a stunning example of successful cultural tourism. This annual event, which is on now and runs until August 2, has celebrated Townsville’s history, tropical setting and proximity to the Barrier Reef, capturing the imagination and respect of the classical music industry worldwide.

The AFCM is Australia’s most significant chamber music festival. Locals are saddened by the festival’s designated shift to Cairns in 2026, possibly prompted by Townsville City Council’s decision not to fund a new performing arts centre with bespoke and much-needed acoustics for classical music performance.

Read my whole article published on InDailyQueensland, here.