AFCM 2025 Program by Day

FREE EVENT

The Andromeda Quartet, a dynamic young saxophone ensemble, will present this free concert for all ages. Graduates of the AFCM Pathways Program International Masterclasses 2024, they bring fresh energy and skill to the stage.

Start Time: 12:00pm Finish Time: 1:00pm    ​

FREE EVENT

The Andromeda Quartet, a dynamic young saxophone ensemble, will present this free concert for all ages. Graduates of the AFCM Pathways Program International Masterclasses 2024, they bring fresh energy and skill to the stage.

Start Time: 12:00pm Finish Time: 1:00pm    ​

​

AFCM 2025 SPECIAL EVENT

Join us for the AFCM 2025 Long Table Lunch in the AFCM Festival Garden, located in the forecourt of the Townsville Civic Theatre. Kick off the Festival with delicious food, and good company, featuring music from the Andromeda Quartet. Enjoy a two-course meal with a glass of wine or soft drink included, full bar facilities and a relaxing garden atmosphere - the perfect setting to connect with fellow Festival goers and immerse yourself in the spirit of AFCM before the festivities begin.

Start Time: 12:30pm Finish Time: 2:30pm Seating time: 12:15pm

Tickets from $120 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $130 Concession: $125

• The AFCM 2024 Long Table Lunch is included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Transport is not provided.

Welcome to the AFCM 2025 Opening Night Concert – Reawaken! Featuring Artistic Director Jack Liebeck and many of the stellar Festival artists, including UK soprano Carolyn Sampson and the Australian String Quartet, tonight’s Opening Night sees the Festival bloom with a celebration of the greatest music.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:50 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min   

Tickets from $100 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $108 Concession: $104 Under 30: $30​

• The AFCM Opening Night Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• The AFCM Opening Night Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

AFCM Concert Conversations offer an engaging start to the day, beginning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with visiting Festival musicians, exploring various personal and professional aspects of their lives. This is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served beforehand.

Start Time: 10:00 am Finish Time: 12:00pm Doors Open: 9:45am Interval: 11:00am, 15 Min Tea & Coffee: from 9:30am

Tickets from $93 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $101 Concession: $97 Under 30: $30​

• AFCM Concert Conversations are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Concert Conversations are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

​FREE EVENT

Join us for the free AFCM Children’s Concert in the AFCM Festival Garden—a fun-filled, family-friendly experience featuring world-class Festival Artists. With music that delights and entertains, it’s the perfect way to introduce kids and families to the joy of live performance.

Start Time: 2:00pm Finish Time: 3:00pm         

AFCM Illuminates combines insightful lectures and live performance, offering a unique fusion of knowledge and sound.

Today, Award-winning broadcaster and composer Andrew Ford takes you on a lively journey through thousands of years of music. In The Shortest History of Music, Part 1, explore how music began, evolved, and shaped human culture, packed with fascinating characters and surprising insights.

Start Time: 3:00pm I Finish Time: 4:00pm

Tickets from $39 (Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30​

• AFCM Illuminates events are included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
• AFCM Illuminates events are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

Experience the brilliance of horn virtuoso Stefan Dohr.

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.
  

Join us for the Festival's Annual Governor's Gala concert, featuring a stellar line-up of world-class musicians led by Artistic Director Jack Liebeck. Prepare to be transported by a program of celestial beauty and sublime melodies.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:50 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min   

Tickets from $100 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $108 Concession: $104 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Opening Night Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• The AFCM Opening Night Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Join us for a Sunday morning concert in the exquisite acoustics of St James' Cathedral.

Start Time: 11:00 am Finish Time: 12:30pm Doors Open: 10:45am​

Tickets from $100 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $108 Concession: $104

• The AFCM St James’ Cathedral Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• The AFCM St James’ Cathedral Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription. ​
  

FREE EVENT

Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon at the AFCM Queens Gardens Concert, a free, all-ages community concert featuring the Barrier Reef Orchestra and Festival Artists. Bring your picnic, family, friends, and even your dog to this all-ages celebration of music in the park.

Start Time: 3:00pm Finish Time: 4:30pm

​Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

Join us for a screening of the silent film Scandal in Bohemia, accompanied by live performances by Festival Artists.

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Join us for a special Sunday night concert celebrating the spirit of the old Bohemia through the music of Dvořák, Martinů, and Janáček. This evening offers a rich exploration of their distinct voices.

* This concert includes a single-course dinner and glass of wine for Gold Plus Subscribers only from 6:15pm in the AFCM Festival Garden.

Start Time: 7:30pm Finish Time: 9:50pm (Includes dinner from 6:15pm for Gold Plus Subscribers)

Tickets from $100 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $108 Concession: $104 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Sunday Night Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided. 
• This concert includes a single-course dinner and glass of wine for Gold Plus Subscribers only from 6:15pm in the AFCM Festival Garden.
• The AFCM Sunday Night Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

AFCM Concert Conversations offer an engaging start to the day, beginning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with visiting Festival musicians, exploring various personal and professional aspects of their lives. This is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served beforehand.

Start Time: 10:00 am Finish Time: 12:00pm Doors Open: 9:45am Interval: 11:00am, 15 Min Tea & Coffee: from 9:30am

Tickets from $93 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $101 Concession: $97 Under 30: $30​​

• AFCM Concert Conversations are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Concert Conversations are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

FREE EVENT

Experience the journey of Australia’s finest young chamber musicians as they refine their craft under the guidance of world-class mentors. These public masterclasses are FREE, offering a unique opportunity to watch Festival Artists tutor, guide, and inspire the next generation of talent.

Start Time: 1:00pm Finish Time: 2:00pm

AFCM Illuminates combines insightful lectures and live performance, offering a unique fusion of knowledge and sound.

Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Serialists? marks the passing of the alarm these composers once threw out.

Start Time: 3:00pm I Finish Time: 4:00pm

Tickets from $39 (Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30

• AFCM Illuminates events are included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
• AFCM Illuminates events are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Baroque era.​

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

The jewel in the crown each day of the Festival are these full-length Evening Concerts, presenting a wonderful range of repertoire, from classic favourites to lesser-known works and exciting new commissions.

Tonight’s poignant program features Chausson’s last completed work, Nicole Murphy’s response to the impact of COVID in 2020, Andrew Ford’s reflections on a piece by Seán Ó Riada, and Mahler’s unfinished symphony.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:30 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min

Tickets from $82 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $88 Concession: $85 Under 30: $30

• AFCM Evening Concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Evening Concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

AFCM 2025 SPECIAL EVENT

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Orpheus-Goolboddi Island, beginning with a scenic ferry ride where whale sightings are often a highlight. Enjoy refreshments on board before arriving at the island’s tranquil shores. Spend time exploring untouched beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or soaking up the natural beauty. Later, settle on the beach for a special concert by Festival musicians, then relax on the return journey with dinner and a stunning sunset.

Meet at the Sealink Breakwater Terminal at 12:00pm for departure. Estimated return time is 8:00pm.

Departure: 12:30pm     Return: 8:00pm

Tickets from $308 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $333 Concession: $320 

Venue: Depart from and return to the Sealink Breakwater Terminal

The AFCM Annual Orpheus-Goolboddi Island Concert is included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transport is not provided.

​

AFCM Concert Conversations offer an engaging start to the day, beginning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with visiting Festival musicians, exploring various personal and professional aspects of their lives. This is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served beforehand.

Start Time: 10:00 am Finish Time: 12:00pm Doors Open: 9:45am Interval: 11:00am, 15 Min Tea & Coffee: from 9:30am

Tickets from $93 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $101 Concession: $97 Under 30: $30​​

• AFCM Concert Conversations are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Concert Conversations are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

FREE EVENT

Experience the journey of Australia’s finest young chamber musicians as they refine their craft under the guidance of world-class mentors. These public masterclasses are FREE, offering a unique opportunity to watch Festival Artists tutor, guide, and inspire the next generation of talent.

Start Time: 1:00pm Finish Time: 2:00pm

​AFCM Illuminates combines insightful lectures and live performance, offering a unique fusion of knowledge and sound.

In Part 2 of The Shortest History of Music, Andrew Ford continues his engaging exploration of music's rich history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, discover why music remains a universal and essential part of the human experience.

Start Time: 3:00pm I Finish Time: 4:00pm

Tickets from $39 (Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30​

• AFCM Illuminates events are included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
• AFCM Illuminates events are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

Celebrate the timeless charm of the clarinet, inspired by the legendary artistry of Benny Goodman.

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

The jewel in the crown each day of the Festival are these full-length Evening Concerts, presenting a wonderful range of repertoire, from classic favourites to lesser-known works and exciting new commissions.

Experience a musical showdown featuring works by Liszt, Brahms, Glass, Reich, and Tchaikovsky. Bold rivalries and spats are found amongst composers too, yet each person’s creative brilliance wins out.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:30 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min

Tickets from $82 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $88 Concession: $85 Under 30: $30

• AFCM Evening Concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Evening Concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

​AFCM Concert Conversations offer an engaging start to the day, beginning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with visiting Festival musicians, exploring various personal and professional aspects of their lives. This is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served beforehand.

Start Time: 10:00 am Finish Time: 12:00pm Doors Open: 9:45am Interval: 11:00am, 15 Min Tea & Coffee: from 9:30am

Tickets from $93 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $101 Concession: $97 Under 30: $30​​

• AFCM Concert Conversations are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Concert Conversations are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

FREE EVENT

Experience the journey of Australia’s finest young chamber musicians as they refine their craft under the guidance of world-class mentors. These public masterclasses are FREE, offering a unique opportunity to watch Festival Artists tutor, guide, and inspire the next generation of talent.

Start Time: 1:00pm Finish Time: 2:00pm

AFCM Illuminates combines insightful lectures and live performance, offering a unique fusion of knowledge and sound.

Botanical Rarities, presented in partnership with James Cook University, explores the connections between music and the natural world.

Start Time: 3:00pm I Finish Time: 4:00pm

Tickets from $39 (Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30​

• AFCM Illuminates events are included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
• AFCM Illuminates events are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

Let the soulful voice of the reed instruments transport you through melodies of reflection and joy.

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

The jewel in the crown each day of the Festival are these full-length Evening Concerts, presenting a wonderful range of repertoire, from classic favourites to lesser-known works and exciting new commissions.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of the baroque era.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:30 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min

Tickets from $82 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $88 Concession: $85 Under 30: $30

• AFCM Evening Concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Evening Concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

​AFCM Concert Conversations offer an engaging start to the day, beginning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with visiting Festival musicians, exploring various personal and professional aspects of their lives. This is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served beforehand.

Start Time: 10:00 am Finish Time: 12:00pm Doors Open: 9:45am Interval: 11:00am, 15 Min Tea & Coffee: from 9:30am

​Tickets from $93 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $101 Concession: $97 Under 30: $30​​

• AFCM Concert Conversations are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• AFCM Concert Conversations are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

​Be entertained by Australia's finest young talent. This afternoon the AFCM Pathways Program presents the AFCM International Masterclasses students, showcasing all they’ve learned from their 10 days of coaching.

Start Time: 1:00pm Finish Time: 2:00pm         

Tickets from $39 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Pathways Program International Masterclasses Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transport is not provided.
• The AFCM Pathways Program International Masterclasses Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription

​​AFCM Illuminates combines insightful lectures and live performance, offering a unique fusion of knowledge and sound.

The Ageing Brain - presented in partnership with The Guardian - examines the relationship between neuroscience and music.

Start Time: 3:00pm I Finish Time: 4:00pm

Tickets from $39 (Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $42 Concession: $41 Under 30: $30​

• AFCM Illuminates events are included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
• AFCM Illuminates events are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

​Named in honour of the Festival’s founder, the AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series offers an excellent introduction for newcomers and a chance for familiar audiences to enjoy beloved favourites and discover new musical gems.

The final Sunset concert brings the series to a stunning close.

Start Time: 5:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $66 (AFCM Friend Exclusive Price) General Admission: $71 Concession: $69 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
  
• The AFCM Ray Golding Sunset Series concerts are eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

Join us for the Festival's grand finale, featuring an exceptional program performed by our brilliant ensemble of artists. Celebrate the closing moments with music that promises to linger in your heart until we meet again.

Start Time: 7:30 pm Finish Time: 9:50 pm Doors Open: 7:10pm Interval: 20 Min   

Tickets from $100 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $108 Concession: $104 Under 30: $30

• The AFCM Closing Concert is included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transportation along primary routes is provided.
• The AFCM Closing Concert is eligible for selection as part of a Silver or Silver Plus Subscription.

AFCM 2025 SPECIAL EVENT

Celebrate the grand finale of AFCM 2025 with the Arcadian Concert on Magnetic Island-Yunbenun. Set at the newly remodelled Arcadian Surf Club overlooking Alma Bay, this unforgettable afternoon combines live music from Festival musicians with stunning ocean and sunset views. Enjoy a curated selection of cocktails and delicious canapes as the waves provide a stunning backdrop to a mesmerizing performance. Join us for an elegant close to the Festival, surrounded by natural beauty.

Depart and return at leisure from the Sealink Breakwater Ferry Terminal in Townsville using your return Sealink ferry ticket or select ‘event only’ to make your own way to and from the event.

Start Time: 3:00 pm Finish Time: 6:00pm

Tickets from $180 (AFCM Friends Exclusive Price) General Admission: $195 Concession: $188

• AFCM’s Arcadian Concert on Magnetic Island-Yunbenun is included in Gold Plus Subscriptions. Shuttle transport is not provided.