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Cairns-Gimuy, QLD
Starts 24 July 2026
EXPLORE PROGRAM
2026 Festival Program

2026 Festival Program

Thursday July 30

AFCM Concert Conversations begin each morning with Artistic Director Jack Liebeck in conversation with guest Festival artists, sharing stories and insights from their musical journeys. Each session is followed by a 45-minute performance, with tea and coffee served.

Tickets start from $30 for patrons under 30 years of age and $89 for AFCM Friends.


* Excludes bookings fees.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

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

Concert Details

INTERVIEW
Interview Guests
Stefanie Farrands, Emmalena Huning, Robin Tritschler, Emmanuel Cassimatis

CHRISTINA MACPHERSON
Waltzing Matilda arr. Koncz
Lloyd van't Hoff, Emmalena Huning, Benjamin Roskams, Stefanie Farrands, Charlotte Miles, Leon Bosch, Alexander Krichel

TOMMIE CARR/CONNOR/LEACH
The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot
Robin Tritschler, Alexander Krichel

ROSS EDWARDS
Ulpirra
Emmanuel Cassimatis

FRANCIS POULENC
Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano
Emmanuel Cassimatis, Alexander Krichel, Jackie Newcomb

DUNCAN/MEYER/THILE
Voila
Benjamin Roskams, Emmalena Huning, Stefanie Farrands, Charlotte Miles, Leon Bosch

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.

Concert Details

What does it really mean to age well? Dr Eddy Strivens introduces the work of the HART (Healthy Ageing Research Team), examining the science behind longevity, brain health and quality of life. This insightful session explores practical, evidence-based approaches to staying active, engaged and healthy at every stage of life.

Tickets start from $30 for patrons under 30 years of age and $41 for AFCM Friends.

* Excludes bookings fees.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

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

Concert Details

A magical journey to the USA using the medium of music composed on the other side of the Pacific. From Corigliano to Bernstein, via Ives, Elliott Carter and others, this program reminds us of that nation’s cultural impact on us all.


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


* Excludes bookings fees.


SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

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

Concert Details

JOHN CORIGLIANO
Snapshot: Circa 1909
Jack Liebeck, Dimity Hall, Irina Morozova, Isang Enders

TOSHIO HOSOKAWA
Texture for Octet
Alexander Sitkovetsky, Dimity Hall, Stefanie Farrands, Charlotte Miles, Leon Bosch, Lloyd van't Hoff, Jackie Newcomb, Stefan Dohr

VALERIE COLEMAN
Red Clay & Mississippi Delta
Kara Thorpe, Justin Wang, Gahyun Lee, Dylan Roberts, Jude Austen Kaupe

CHARLES IVES
The Cage
Robin Tritschler, Piers Lane AO

ELLIOTT CARTER
Dust of Snow
Robin Tritschler, Piers Lane AO

THEODORE CHANLER
The Doves
Robin Tritschler, Piers Lane AO

AARON COPLAND
I Bought Me a Cat
Robin Tritschler, Piers Lane AO

LEONARD BERNSTEIN
West Side Story suite arr. Penaforte - “I Feel Pretty”; “Somewhere”; “America”
Jack Liebeck, Alexander Krichel

Could you spend an hour listening to more glorious music than Bach's Goldberg Variations? We don’t think so! Here, performed in a special arrangement by Dimitry Sitkovetsky for string trio, you will be transported to musical heaven.


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


* Excludes bookings fees.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

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

Concert Details

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (Dmitry Sitkovetsky)
Goldberg Variations for String Trio BWV988 arr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky
Alexander Sitkovetsky, Benjamin Roskams, Julian Smiles