2026 Festival Program

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