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The Australian Festival of Chamber Music in tropical Townsville is the largest festival
of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, offering a range of classical chamber music
performed by some of the very best international artists.
The 2008 program once again upholds the Festival's reputation of musical excellence
and innovation.
This year, visitors have the chance to experience a relaxing afternoon of Flamenco
music on Magnetic Island with Arrebato Ensemble as well as highlighting the music of
Olivier Messiaen.
As part of the International Year of the Reef, a very special presentation of Music
Meets Environment will take place in the Riverway Arts Centre ­ a performance sure
to strike a chord.
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is proudly supported by my Government
through the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.
Regional events deliver an enormous boost to local economies ­ bringing in business,
creating jobs, attracting tourists and fuelling growth, prosperity and a tremendous
sense of pride for the host communities.
Already, the funding program has provided more than $9.7 million to some 460
regional events since it started as a world-first initiative in 2001. Across the State,
thousands of individuals, community groups, local councils and in some cases entire
towns, put countless hours into ensuring their events are a success.
The Queensland Government is proud to share the passion and the achievements of
the State's regions through this program. Enjoy the Australian Festival of Chamber
Music and I hope you will have an opportunity to discover more of Queensland's great
events in the coming year.
Anna Bligh, MP
Premier of Queensland
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premier oF QueenslanD