Fifty-seven young musicians are jumping for joy at being accepted as part of the Townsville Bulletin Winterschool programme to be held in August.

The string and ensemble students will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and learn from world-renowned musicians who are performing as part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.

“This year 35 highly esteemed musicians will be participating in our 20th Festival and each of them will spend time working with young musicians as part of our Townsville Bulletin Winterschool programme,” said Yvette Braithwaite-Bragg, General Manager of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.

The Pimlico Chamber Strings Orchestra, who will be representing North Queensland in the State Finals of the Fanfare Music Festival in Brisbane in August, have been accepted to the Winterschool and are looking forward to honing their skills in preparation for the state competition.

“It [The Townsville Bulletin Winterschool] is a remarkable programme,” said Pimlico string teacher, Richard Newell, “working with international Festival artists in the week prior to the Fanfair state final will really help the students to elevate themselves to a higher level.”

The Townsville Bulletin Winterschool programme has been developed by the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in conjunction with local music teachers and Festival artists.

“With the support of the Townsville Bulletin we have created a fantastic programme this year for strings students, ensembles and percussion students as well,” said Yvette.

For more information on the Australian Festival of Chamber Music please visit www.afcm.com.au or call 07 4771 4144.

Regional ‘Outback Tour’

As part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s commitment to regional Queensland, an ensemble will take a tour to remote communities in northern Queensland for the annual Outback Tour between Friday 23 and Tuesday 27 July. Concerts, performances and masterclasses will be held as the group visit Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond, Hugenden and Charters Towers.

Visit the website for more information.