Entertainment
1 November, 2026
Chamber festival back in ‘27
THE Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) will return to Cairns from 23 to 31 July 2027, with internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble VOCES8 confirmed for an exclusive Australian appearance.
The nine-day festival will bring leading national and international musicians to Tropical North Queensland, following its inaugural year in Cairns in 2026, which organisers say achieved record ticket sales and revenue.
VOCES8, described as the world’s most-streamed classical vocal group, will make its sole Australian appearance of 2027 at the festival.
The ensemble, a 2026 OPUS Klassik Award winner and a 2023 Grammy nominee, is known for its vocal performances across classical, jazz and pop.
The festival has been held in northern Queensland since 1991 and is regarded as Australia’s major chamber music festival and the only one of its kind staged in the tropics.
Its 2027 program will again combine classical and chamber music performances with experiences that highlight the region’s natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
Internationally acclaimed violinist and AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck will curate the program, expected to feature a range of concerts and musical experiences over the nine days.
Meanwhile, the festival has launched a new YouTube series showcasing highlights from its popular Concert Conversations sessions.
The curated series features discussions with musicians recorded at the 2026 festival, offering audiences the chance to hear their experiences and perspectives beyond the concert stage.
