Australian Festival of Chamber Music Opening Night Reception and Concert

Mr Scott Stewart MP; Councillors; AFCM Chair Ms Sandra Yates; Brigadier Field; all other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Kaye and I are delighted to be in Townsville again, attending our fourth Australian Festival of Chamber Music opening night, and our sixth AFCM-related reception since I became Governor three years ago tomorrow.   

We hosted one such reception earlier this week to acknowledge Piers Lane’s eleventh, and last, Festival in the role of Artistic Director.

Piers said in a recent interview, possibly in jest, that he didn’t sleep at all during the AFCM.  But, Piers, given your level of commitment to this event, and your boundless energy, we believe you!  

I extend our great gratitude for your marvellous achievements at the artistic helm of this Festival, and your immense contribution to Townsville and to your home State. 

I warmly welcome Artistic Director-designate, Kathryn Stott who, like Piers, is a pianist and a consummate musician with an outstanding CV. We look forward to discovering, in 2018 and beyond, the ideas, initiatives and influences that Kathryn brings to the Festival.

The musical banquet that is the 2017 AFCM begins this evening.  Regrettably, Kaye and I cannot stay for the whole nine-day feast.  We have to be satisfied with an entree or two.   

The 2017 program comprises over 30 concerts and special events. It includes both the world premiere of a work by composer-in-residence Matthew Hindson, and a piece – in tonight’s concert – that reaches back 800 years into the Western musical canon.

There are familiar faces among the 40 musicians performing at the 2017 Festival. There are also new faces, with four of these musicians making their Townsville and their Australian debuts.   

Clearly, this tremendous quality and variety means that the 2017 Festival will follow its predecessors as a prominent, much loved and  much anticipated part of the Australian and international music calendar. 

As Governor and Patron, I thank all those in the government and private sectors who have generously supported the Festival. That support is always greatly appreciated – and needed.

I thank the Festival Board, executive, staff and volunteers for all the sheer hard work they have done to bring together the many, complex artistic and organisational aspects of the Festival, for our benefit.  

Kaye and I wish this year’s Festival every possible success.

Thank you.