Mackay Chamber Music Festival

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Mackay Chamber Music Festival

The eighth Mackay Chamber Music Festival presents three days of concerts, masterclasses and events.

12/06/2026

🎻 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Brendan Joyce

The driving force behind Camerata.

We’re excited to welcome Brendan Joyce to MCMF 2026—Artistic Director and leader of Camerata, and one of Australia’s most dynamic orchestral musicians.

Known for his electrifying leadership, Brendan has led Camerata through major tours, recordings, and festival appearances, while also performing with ensembles including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Orchestra of the Antipodes.

🔥 Dynamic. Fearless. Unstoppable energy.

A leader who brings momentum and life to every performance.
🎟 Experience it live in Mackay.

10/06/2026

Introducing the 2026/2027. We've compiled a list of chamber music festivals for you to add to your itinerary if you're travelling around Australia and New Zealand.

14 Jun; 30 Aug; 15 Nov 2026 Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival in various locations across the Sunshine Coast, QLD.

15-19 July 2026 Mackay Chamber Music Festival in Mackay, QLD - presented by the Hannan Mason Foundation. It is a wonderful weekend of chamber music, masterclasses and workshops. Perfect for a winter getaway if you're looking for some warmer weather. On 15 July 2026, there is a FREE Schools' Concert, performed by Ensemble Q and Ed Le Brocq

17-19 July 2026 Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival on Stradbroke Island, QLD

17-19 July 2026 Atherton Tablelands Chamber Music Festival in Atherton Tablelands, North QLD

24 July - 1 Aug 2026 Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Cairns, QLD this year.

14-16 Aug 2026 Southern Cross Soloists Chamber Music Festival in Mt Tamborine, QLD

20-27 Sept 2026 Martinborough Music Festival, Martinborough, New Zealand

25-27 Sept 2026 Tyalgum Music Festival, Tyalgum, New South Wales

9-11 Oct 2026 Port Fairy Spring Music Festival
Port Fairy, VIC

17 Oct - 25 Oct 2026 Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, The festival is held over two consecutive weekends in late October in Hobart, Tasmania and in surrounding areas of great historic and natural beauty.

12-14 Feb 2027 , Mineral Springs Hotel, Hepburn Springs, Vic

11-14 Mar 2027 Orange Chamber Music Festival, Orange Region, NSW

April 2027, Blackheath Chamber Music Festival, The Blue Mountatins, NSW

10-16 May 2027, Warren Chamber Music Festival, Warren, NSW

15-16 May 2027,Coriole Music Festival, McLaren Vale, South Australia

09/06/2026

🎹 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Angela Turner

More than a performer—a musician shaping the art form itself.

We’re delighted to welcome Angela Turner to MCMF 2026. As pianist of the Lyrebird Trio and a highly respected figure in Australian music, Angela’s career bridges performance, pedagogy, and publication at the highest level.

She has appeared at leading venues including the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre, and at festivals across the country—but her influence extends just as powerfully beyond the stage. As Lecturer in Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium and leader of the Young Conservatorium’s Senior Piano program, she has guided generations of emerging musicians.

As a publisher and editor, she has helped shape how piano is taught across Australia—serving as Principal Keyboard Consultant for the AMEB Piano Series and authoring the widely used Exploring repertoire collection.

🔥 Clarity. Authority. Lasting impact.

A musician whose work resonates far beyond the performance itself.
🎟 Hear her live in Mackay.

05/06/2026

🎻 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Benjamin Roskams

From Europe’s great orchestras to Mackay.

We’re excited to welcome Benjamin Roskams to MCMF 2026. Based in Germany, he has performed with leading ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic, appearing internationally as a concertmaster, leader, and chamber musician.

🔥 Versatile. Powerful. International class.
A musician bringing global experience straight to the MCMF stage.
🎟 Don’t miss it.

04/06/2026

Looking for something different to do in Mackay? ✨

Swap the usual dinner-and-drinks routine for something unforgettable.

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is more than a concert — it’s an experience.
Think incredible live music, an intimate atmosphere, world-class performers, pre-show drinks, and the kind of night that actually feels like an occasion.

The sort of experience you’d normally travel to Brisbane or Sydney for… except it’s happening right here in Mackay.

Perfect for:
🥂 Date night
🎉 A night out with friends
✨ Experience seekers
🎻 First-timers curious about live classical music

No classical music knowledge needed — just come and enjoy the atmosphere.
One weekend only. Limited seating available. Tickets available on our website.

03/06/2026

Hi, I'm Lauren.

I've been involved with the Mackay Chamber Music Festival since it's beginning.

Here are five things I've learnt about Chamber Music.

02/06/2026

🎶 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Ensemble Q Australia

We’re proud to welcome Ensemble Q Australia to MCMF 2026, joined in this special performance by acclaimed broadcaster, presenter and author Ed Le Brocq.

Hailed by Limelight as “Australia’s top echelon of musicians,” Ensemble Q has rapidly become one of the country’s leading chamber ensembles and a true ambassador for Queensland. Formed in 2017 and directed by Paul and Trish Dean, the group brings together some of Australia’s finest musicians in ever-evolving combinations—from duo to full chamber ensemble.

They have appeared at major festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Brisbane Festival, Queensland Music Festival, and internationally at George Town Festival (Penang). As Musica Viva National Touring Artists and Ensemble in Residence at the Queensland Conservatorium, their reach spans both national and international stages.

🔥 Bold. Versatile. World-class.
An ensemble that redefines what chamber music can be—flexible, powerful, and full of colour.

With upcoming appearances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre, Ensemble Q arrives in Mackay as part of their 2026 national tour.

🎟 A rare chance to experience one of Australia’s most exciting ensembles up close - Saturday 18th July, 3pm. Get your tickets now!

01/06/2026

🎻 Applications Now Open – Masterclasses & Scholarship Opportunities 🎻

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proud to nurture the next generation of musicians through exceptional learning and performance opportunities.
Applications are now open for our 2026 Masterclasses and the Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship.

Work directly with some of Australia's leading musicians, receive expert mentorship, and gain invaluable performance experience in an inspiring festival environment.

The Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship recognises and supports outstanding young local pianists who demonstrate passion, dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning, passion and dedication. This scholarship honours Anne's enduring contribution to music and education in our region while helping talented young artists take the next step in their musical journey.

Whether you're seeking to refine your skills, perform for distinguished artists, or pursue scholarship support, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Festival Dates: 15 - 19July 2026
🎼 Masterclass Applications Now Open
🏆 Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Open
Find out more and apply at:
🌐 www.mackaycmf.com.au

29/05/2026

🎻 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: Glenn Christensen

We’re proud to present Glenn Christensen, Artistic Director of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival.

Born and raised in Mackay, Queensland, Glenn’s journey from regional beginnings to the international stage sits at the very heart of MCMF. What began with early Suzuki training in his hometown has led to a career performing across Europe and Australia with ensembles including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, and now as Associate Concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. A prize-winning violinist and founding member of the Lyrebird Trio, Glenn has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician at major festivals and concert halls.

Despite a global career, Mackay has always remained central to Glenn’s artistic identity. In 2018, he returned home to establish the Mackay Chamber Music Festival—bringing world-class musicians back to the community where his musical life began.

🔥 From Mackay to the world—and back again.
A festival built on the belief that regional audiences deserve the very best music, performed at the highest level, right on their doorstep.

🎟 MCMF is, at its core, a homecoming—curated by someone who started right here in Mackay. Catch Glenn in two of our festival's concerts!

28/05/2026

Join us for Concert 1, an Opening Gala Celebration: “Songs without words” – Lyrebird Trio on Friday 17 July, 2026, 7:00pm at Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

After the performance, we invite you to join the artists in the foyer for a complimentary drink—generously donated by the Conservatorium Friends Mackay Inc —and nibbles, kindly provided by an anonymous benefactor, as we toast the opening of the 2026 Mackay Chamber Music Festival.

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proudly presented by the Hannan Mason Foundation.

Tickets available now - https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/

Address

Mackay, QLD
4740

Website

https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/

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