AFCM Winterschool Program

The AFCM Winterschool program is a truly amazing opportunity for young musical students around the world to gain invaluable coaching and development from some of Australia's finest chamber musicians. Our goal is to inspire, influence and educate musical students at both tertiary and high school level.

The Festival offers two coaching programs available, based on student age:

Advanced Masterclass Program - 2021

Applications are Open.

“This is an amazing opportunity to work with many of our festival musicians, make new friends and delve further into the wonderful world of collaborative music making. We are thrilled to welcome Adam Chalabi to lead this important program, in nurturing the next generation of classical musicians.” Kathryn Stott AFCM Artistic Director

The Advanced Winterschool is held in Townsville during the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and is an unforgettable experience for emerging musicians. Students will gain access to some of the Australia's leading artists for lessons, masterclasses, mentoring and concerts. Advanced/tertiary level ensembles are invited to apply. A warm welcome in sunny seaside Townsville is assured, as are first-rate concert experiences and coaching at an expert level. Affordable, educational and potentially life changing.

Adam Chalabi, Winterschool Director

Associate Professor at the University of Queensland School of Music, Adam Chalabi is first violinist of the internationally renowned Tinalley String Quartet and held the position of Concertmaster of Orchestra Victoria from 2009-2014. He has appeared as guest concertmaster with numerous orchestras within Australia and overseas including the Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras and was previously Head of Strings at the Australian National Academy of Music. Between 2002 and 2009 Adam was Principal Violin with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra.

Born in London, Adam began his violin studies at four with the Suzuki Method and attended the Purcell School and Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Maciej Rakowski. He plays on a Joseph Panormo violin circa 1805. Adam takes over the role from the much-loved violinist, composer and teacher Pavel Fischer who has led the program for three years.

Program includes:

• 10-day coaching and development program 
• Private and public masterclasses with leading musicians
• Performances in front of Festival and local audiences including participation in the ‘Advanced Concert’
• Networking opportunities with Festival Artists
• Private ensemble coaching from the Winterschool Director
• Entry to selected Festival concerts held at the Townsville Civic Theatre 
• Complimentary AFCM Program and Welcome Pack

APPLY NOW

Schools Program

In 2020 the AFCM delivered workshops to music students at four Townsville high schools including Kirwan High School, Pimlico High School, Townsville Grammar and St Patricks Girls College. The Orava Quartet visited these four schools in October this year and delivered workshops, coaching and informative talks.  We envisage running a similar program to local schools in 2021.