eNews - April 2026
Cruise Special – Lunch tickets still available
While the dinner Cruise on the 28th July is sold out, we still have availability for those wishing to join us for a sail out into the harbour for a beautiful lunchtime event.
What to expect: A relaxed afternoon of music, cuisine and tropical beauty aboard the Spirit of Cairns; a luxury 26m sailing catamaran.
Take a look at what to anticipate on board:
The cruise offers a uniquely Cairns experience, combining world-class chamber music with panoramic views of Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea. As the city skyline gives way to mangroves and open water, enjoy intimate performances from AFCM Festival artists alongside emerging musicians from our Pathways and Fellowship ensembles.
Guests will be welcomed on board at 11am with a complimentary drink before indulging in freshly prepared canapés and the onboard oyster and champagne bar (Bar costs apply). With music woven seamlessly throughout the cruise, this intimate floating concert creates the perfect balance of elegance, atmosphere and ease.
Event Spotlight – The Marriage of Figaro
One opera. One cast of characters. One extraordinary actor.
In this thrilling reimagining, Bethany Simons transforms into every character - a virtuoso performance coupled with a powerhouse ensemble bringing Mozart’s iconic score to life. Entertaining. Hilarious. Unmissable.
Bethany co-wrote ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ with Phil Lambert for a solo performer and wind ensemble. Originally titled “Figaro for winds”, it is billed as a surprising and delightful way to experience one of the most sublime operas of all time.
Expect a vivid stage presence from Bethany, who will ensure you always know which of Figaro’s many adventures the music is illustrating.
See the trailer here:
Bethany Simons - Actor Written by Phil Lambert & Bethany Simons Directed by David Wicks by FestivalChamberMusic
Crystalbrook announces Music & Menus
Music and Menus is an offering of dining experiences cleverly named in tribute to the AFCM’s first year in Cairns. These menu options are designed to fit neatly into concert goers schedules between shows.
Book here for tables at CC's Bar & Grill:
CC's Bar & Grill by Crystalbrook | AFCM
Book here for tables at Flynn's Italian:
Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook | Australian Festival of Chamber Music
Book here for tables at Paper Crane
Paper Crane by Crystalbrook | Australian Festival Of chamber Music
At Crystalbrook Riley, Paper Crane Overture sets the stage with a chef-selected main course, paired with a house wine, beer, or soft drink for $35, available for pre-concert bookings between 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
Crystalbrook Flynn has Flynn's Italian Intermezzo, a choice of three pastas, served with house wine, beer, or soft drink for $35, available for pre-concert bookings between 5:30pm and 6:30pm
Crystalbrook Bailey, Arte offers The Sweet Serenade, a slice of cake and coffee for $12, or The Sonata sandwich, paired with juice or coffee for $18. At CC’s Bar & Grill, The Maestro’s Table features a main course, served with house wine, beer, or soft drink for $55 for bookings between 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
Thoughtful conversations
Meet Matt Mitchley, the owner of Designer Garden. In this interview, he reflects on the Cairns horticulture during the festival and how the tropical environment complements the atmosphere of chamber music, offering a sensory backdrop to the AFCM experience.
Meet Wendy Smith, the Head of Music at Trinity Anglican School. In this conversation, she shares how chamber music continues to inspire new generations, exploring its relevance today and the powerful impact of live performance on learning, wellbeing, and connection.
The Golden Triangle: AFCM’s Festival Walking Route
One of the most unique aspects of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is just how easy it is to experience it all.At the heart of the Festival is what we like to call the Golden Triangle — a simple walking route connecting the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, and nearby accommodation. With everything just minutes apart, moving between performances, dining, and relaxation becomes part of the experience itself.
Whether you’re heading to a morning concert, an evening performance, or taking a moment to explore the city in between, the Festival is designed to feel effortless, connected, and enjoyable.
Our Festival partner hotel, Crystalbrook Bailey, sits right within this triangle, offering a convenient and comfortable place to stay just moments from the main venues. Alongside other Crystalbrook properties in Cairns, it forms part of a broader network of accommodation options available to Festival guests.
Artist Angels
At AFCM 2026 we can't wait to welcome exceptional musicians from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, ensuring they can join us in Cairns is increasingly costly and challenging given the complexities of international travel in this current climate.
This is where our Artist Angels play a vital role. By becoming an Artist Angel, you provide direct support to an international musician's attendance at the Festival, enabling not only unforgettable performances, but meaningful artistic collaboration and development with the emerging musicians from our AFCM Pathways Program. An Artist Angel gift of $8,000 supports one international artist. Alternatively, you may choose to join an Artist Angel collective, contributing alongside like-minded supporters to share in the sponsorship of an international musician.
If you would like to learn more about becoming an Artist Angel, our Philanthropy Manager Suzanne Gibson would be delighted to speak with you - please contact Suzanne on 07 4771 4144 or suzanne.gibson@afcm.com.au
