2026 Festival Program

The Artistic Director’s Circle Concert features an intimate performance by the internationally acclaimed Sitkovetsky Trio. Renowned for their expressive depth, technical brilliance, and exceptional musical cohesion, the Trio’s appearance at AFCM marks a significant artistic milestone as we begin a bold new chapter in Cairns–Gimuy.

This concert is made possible through the generous support of the Artistic Director’s Circle, whose commitment enables us to bring world-leading ensembles to northern Queensland and elevate the Festival’s global reach.

Tickets start from $30 for patrons under 30 years of age and $69 for AFCM Friends.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

• Included in Gold Subscriptions ONLY
• Available for selection in Silver & Silver Plus Subscriptions 

AFCM International Public Masterclasses offer audiences a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process, as AFCM Pathways Program participants work one-on-one with world-class Festival artists. Open to the public, these sessions explore interpretation, technique and musical storytelling in real time, culminating in a special Pathways Showcase concert on Friday 31 July at Bulmba-Ja, at 2:00pm.

AFCM International Public Masterclasses are FREE to attend and open to the general public, Seating is strictly limited.

We promise, contrary to the title, this concert will be the model of order and decorum - featuring sublime music in a glorious setting.  Mozart's Divertimento, often called the Nannerl Septet, will be performed alongside Brahms' beautiful and melodious Sextet No. 1 for strings. The perfect Sunday afternoon tonic for the soul.

Tickets start from $30 for patrons under 30 years of age and $95 for AFCM Friends.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

• Included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions 
• Available for selection in Silver & Silver Plus Subscriptions 

AFCM International Public Masterclasses offer audiences a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process, as AFCM Pathways Program participants work one-on-one with world-class Festival artists. Open to the public, these sessions explore interpretation, technique and musical storytelling in real time, culminating in a special Pathways Showcase concert on Friday 31 July at Bulmba-Ja, at 2:00pm.

AFCM International Public Masterclasses are FREE to attend and open to the general public, Seating is strictly limited.

Note: no composers were harmed in the making of this programme… Inspired by the hit BBC TV programme Horrible Histories, this concert explores some of our most cherished composers who met a sudden, untimely demise (in slightly comic circumstances). Did you know that Purcell froze to death because his wife locked him out of the house? Or that Lully conducted his orchestra by slamming a staff loudly onto the floor, but unfortunately stabbed himself in the foot? Isaac Nathan, the "father of Australian music," was crushed by a tram in 1864 in Sydney, and in another transport-related demise, Chausson cycled into a wall and didn’t live to compose another note! Thankfully, we are able to bring their music back to life at CPAC, right before your very eyes and ears. It’s a miracle!

Tickets start from $30 for patrons under 30 years of age and $86 for AFCM Friends.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

• Included in Gold and Gold Plus Subscriptions 
• Available for selection in Silver & Silver Plus Subscriptions