We have always wanted to go to the Australian Chamber Music Festival – and for years it was held in Townsville. We didn’t get there and this year it’s in Cairns. 

We made it. Staying in an apartment opposite the lagoon so we could have a swim each day. Unfortunately it’s closed for renovation. 

I brought my summer clothes and for the first two days it’s been cool and rainy. Not what I planned. 

Today Monday it’s getting warmer. 

We are going to lots of concerts. What a program. 

The day starts at 10am with a conversation between festive organiser Jack Leibeck and 3 different musicians each day. It gives an insight into their background and their musical journey. They then perform together. Short pieces. Today we heard Karin Schaupp playing guitar. She’s wonderful. Go and hear her if you can. Then 2 horn players. One an  Australian the other a very experienced player from Berlin. Stefan Dohr. What a background he has. 

He’s now running a masterclass with a group of reed instrumentalists from Melbourne. It’s part of the Pathways project where 6 ensembles of young musicians are selected to attend the festival and get mentored and play in front of an audience.

So interesting to see and hear how an experienced musician can make something sound so much better – in an hour! Tough on the young musicians I suppose but you can see how it’s making them think about how they play ! 

Last night we heard the most amazing opera The Marriage of Figaro.   Actress Bethany Simons wrote and acted I. This adaptation. . No singing. And a group of 8 musicians playing. She acted out all the parts. Just by changing her voice, her body movements and told in a modern way. It is hard to describe how she did it – but was fabulous. 

And so the week began.

We were so busy it was hard to fit in dinner. Tomorrow and for the rest of the week we’ll have to plan our day a little better.