of Chamber Music. Townsville has proved the perfect home for this unique
event and musicians from around Australia and the world come for the superb
music and the warm local hospitality.
Few can resist the lure of our dynamic northern city in winter. Townsville
offers an irresistible combination of cool days and clear nights by the Coral
Sea. Those conditions are matched by an excellent programme of music and
events that draws on a rich past and provides inspiration for the future.
In the 150 years since Queensland became a state, we have forged a
reputation as a place where good ideas are embraced and nurtured. The
Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a fine example of one such good idea.
The Festival is now the largest festival dedicated to chamber music in Australia
and in 2009 we welcome the return of iconic events that have become part of
Townsville's cultural and social calendar.
The Chefs in the North Dinner highlights the best of local produce served with
fine music. There will be a large programme performed by some of the very
best international artists to celebrate the anniversaries of key composers like
Purcell, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Australia's own Peter Sculthorpe.
Meanwhile, our own musical heroes will be celebrated as we mark the 80th
birthday of Queensland veteran pianist Max Olding in concert with the
Olding family.
This year we will also see the world premiere of The Past, by the Festival's
composer-in-residence Andrew Ford. This work juxtaposes the poetry of
Oodgeroo Noonuccal with entries from Captain Cook's diary. This is set to be
a fascinating production.
My Government is a proud supporter of the Australian Festival of Chamber
Music and I commend the work of its director, Piers Lane, and all its
organisers and supporters. There is much for audiences and music lovers to
discover and enjoy in the program for this year's event. Enjoy the Festival!
Premier of Queensland
And Minister For Arts