AFCM Outreach Tour & Workshops
From July to August 2026, the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble will take to stages across northern Queensland as part of the AFCM 2026 Outreach Tour, supported by the Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Throughout the tour, the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble will engage with secondary school students throughout the region, offering hands-on workshops, mentorship, and meaningful insights into the world of chamber music. Their mission: to inspire the next generation of musicians and share the transformative power of music.
We are delighted to announce the Orpheus Quintet as the 2026 AFCM Fellowship Ensemble!
Selected for their exceptional artistry and dedication, the Orpheus Quintet will represent the future of chamber music through performances, workshops, and community engagement as part of the AFCM Pathways Program. Led by AFCM Pathways Program Director Lloyd van’t Hoff, their journey includes appearances on the AFCM Festival Main Stage, in the Festival Garden, and on tour across the region, inspiring audiences and mentoring young musicians.
Concert dates and locations will be announced in February 2026.
ORPHEUS QUINTET
A dynamic young wind ensemble based in Sydney, this quintet brings fresh energy and artistry to one of the most beloved chamber music formats. Formed just last year by five outstanding emerging musicians who met at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the group is quickly building a reputation for vibrant performances, musical precision, and an infectious passion for collaboration. Together, they explore the great wind quintet repertoire spanning from classical and romantic gems to contemporary works, while also championing Australian composers and new voices. They were selected to take part in a masterclass with the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet during their Australian tour, and the quintet has had the privilege of being mentored by Shefali Pryor and Andrew Barnes.
- Dylan Roberts – bassoon
- Jude Austen Kaupe – French horn
- Justin Wang – clarinet
- Gahyun Lee – oboe
- Kara Thorpe – flute
I had the pleasure of working with the Orpheus Quintet in a public masterclass at the Festival. They impressed me with their openness, enthusiasm, and readiness to engage deeply with new ideas in front of an audience. The way they responded to feedback – with quick adaptability, clear communication within the group, and a collaborative spirit – showed both maturity and promise.
Even in that short time together, it was clear that they are a committed ensemble with strong potential. I look forward to seeing how their artistry develops, and I am delighted to see them named the 2026 AFCM Fellowship Ensemble.
- Stefan Dohr, 2025 AFCM Faculty and principal horn of the Berlin Philharmoniker
AFCM Fellowship Ensemble 2025 - Andromeda Sax Quartet
AFCM Fellowship Ensemble 2024 - Zaza Road Quartet
