For those music lovers who can travel, the prospect of a festival in Townsville in mid-winter is an alluring one. In its 30th year, Townsville’s Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a remarkable success. This year’s festival, running from 23 July to 1 August, will present more than 40 of Australia’s leading musicians drawn together by artistic director, Kathryn Stott.  Among them will be the Goldner String Quartet, pianist Piers Lane, flautist Virginia Taylor, oboist Diana Doherty, didgeridooist William Barton and soprano Deborah Cheetham. There are many more, notable artists including, as concert hosts, the delightful Cheryl Barker and Peter Coleman-Wright.

Magnetic Island is just one of the attractive concert venues.

A sunset champagne concert dinner on Magnetic Island is likely to be unforgettable. The Townsville Civic Theatre is the site of the opening night Parade and Governor’s Gala. There is an afternoon concert in the Queens Gardens and day-time events in The Pavilion at the Casino.

Pianist Kathryn Stott as artistic director is to be congratulated on her successful stewardship of over three years. The Festival Council has announced her successor for 2022; it is Jack Liebeck, a distinguished European-based violinist, recording artist and festival director. Well supported by local residents, the Festival is a happy escape for those from further south.