It's been busy on the writing front. I was the Writer in Residence for Australian Festival of Chamber Music this year and wrote many reviews - these can be read here on my blog – as well as stories and interviewed two of the prestigious musical artists: Stefan Dohr, the principal horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, and also the soprano Carolyn Sampson OBE from the UK. 

Stefan Dohr has a reputation for being able to play at a whisper. No easy feat on the horn. Read my interview with him here.

Carolyn Sampson OBE was down-to-earth and humble. I find that the more gifted a musician is the friendlier they are. She began her career singing early music and now sing the full gamut from John Dowland - Sting became so keen on Dowlnad and he learned how to play the lute - Cherry Hoad a contemporary British Composer. A single Mum, she was excited her Mum and two children were arriving in Townsville after our interview. Read more here.

The AFCM is a stone's throw from the Barrier Reef and each year there are alfresco performances on Magnetic Island and also on the uninhabited island Orpheus. On the boat trip to the latter passengers are treated to the sight of whales breaching from the foamy sea. This year the whale viewing was especially good as a large specimen put on a spectacular show. They breached pushing a long way out of the sea near the boat. Magical to hear the whale's song which is amplified as background music.