The Australian Festival of Chamber Music has announced its 2019 program, with Artistic Director Kathryn Stott’s second Festival with Chinese pipa virtuoso Wu Man, London-based Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson, Canadian-German cellist Johannes Moser and Estonian-born bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann among the international guests coming to Far North Queensland. The Festival takes place at venues across Townsville from July 26 to August 4.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music, AFCMAustralian Festival of Chamber Music. Photo supplied

“The 2019 Program is wrapped around the theme of ORIGINS, drawing on origins of the music, the composers and the artists,” Stott said. “An abundance of music features – from the 13th century to the present day – representing cultures from all around the world.”

“There is also a mini-focus on trios including giants like the Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky Piano Trios alongside smaller gems by Sibelius, Koechlin and more,” Stott said.

Wu Man. Photo © Call the Shots Photography

One of the most exciting artists to come to Townsville, and making her AFCM debut, is renowned pipa virtuoso Wu Man, who was a founding member of the Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma, and who...