From Berlin, Paris, Dublin, London, Beijing and Washington to Cairns!
Right now, some of the world’s finest classical musicians are swapping Europe’s great concert halls for the tropical stage of Cairns-Gimuy, as the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) welcomes an extraordinary international line-up for its landmark first Festival in Tropical North Queensland.
From this Friday through to 1 August, audiences will experience Grammy-winning voices, Berlin Philharmonic brilliance, one of Europe’s leading chamber ensembles and some of classical music’s brightest emerging stars, all performing in one of the world’s most spectacular natural settings. Whether you’re a lifelong classical music lover or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, here are ten international artists who deserve a place at the top of your Festival watchlist.
Stefan Dohr (Germany)
The world’s greatest horn player
As Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, Stefan Dohr occupies one of the most prestigious positions in classical music. Renowned for his breathtaking technique and expressive playing, opportunities to hear him outside Europe’s great concert halls are exceptionally rare.
Don’t miss: His Festival performances and Public Masterclass, where audiences can watch one of the world’s finest musicians at work.
Robin Tritschler (Ireland)
The award-winning voice
Gramophone Award-winning Irish tenor Robin Tritschler is celebrated across Europe for his lyrical voice and emotionally compelling performances. At AFCM he’ll perform everything from Schubert’s haunting Winterreise to songs featured in Horrible Histories, Composer Edition.
Don’t miss: A Tropical Winter’s Journey and Interrupted Endings.
Sitkovetsky Trio (United Kingdom / Germany / China)
Chamber music’s supergroup
Violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, cellist Isang Enders and pianist Qian Wu are one of Europe’s most acclaimed chamber ensembles. Their AFCM debut as Ensemble-in-Residence is one of the Festival’s biggest artistic coups.
Don’t miss: Their exclusive Sunday Special recital and performances throughout the Festival.
Alexander Krichel (Germany)
Germany’s piano powerhouse
One of Europe’s most exciting pianists, Alexander Krichel makes his AFCM debut with performances ranging from Mozart and Chopin to Bernstein and Schubert, showcasing remarkable versatility.
Don’t miss: Opening Night and multiple Evening Concerts.
Christian-Pierre La Marca (France)
The cellist who thinks beyond music
French cello sensation Christian-Pierre La Marca is internationally recognised not only for his musicianship but for creating performances that combine music, film and storytelling.
Don’t miss: Wonderful World, where breathtaking cinematography meets music from Fauré to Philip Glass.
Lise Berthaud (France)
France’s viola virtuoso
One of the world’s leading violists, Lise Berthaud has performed with many of Europe’s greatest orchestras and festivals. Elegant, expressive and technically dazzling, she’s a musician’s musician.
Don’t miss: Her chamber performances across the Festival.
Qian Wu (China)
Precision at the piano
Originally from China and now performing on the world’s leading stages, Qian Wu is admired for her remarkable sensitivity and artistry. As a member of the Sitkovetsky Trio, she is central to one of the Festival’s most anticipated debuts.
Don’t miss: The Sitkovetsky Trio performances and Evening Concerts.
Isang Enders (Germany)
The expressive cellist
German cellist Isang Enders has built an international reputation for performances of extraordinary warmth and depth. His musical partnership within the Sitkovetsky Trio has been praised by critics around the world.
Don’t miss: Sunday Special and the Festival’s chamber music highlights.
Sam Wu (Australia / United States)
The composer writing tomorrow’s classics
Based in Washington DC, Australian composer Sam Wu is AFCM’s Pathways Emerging Composer-in-Residence. His two new commissions, including the Opening Night world premiere Forest, Ocean, City, reflect the Festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical voices.
Don’t miss: Opening Night and the Festival’s world premiere performances.
Charlotte Miles (Australia / Germany)
Australia’s rising international star
After captivating audiences at last year’s Festival, Melbourne-born cellist Charlotte Miles returns following another remarkable year on the international stage. Now based in Germany, she is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s brightest classical exports.
Don’t miss: Opening Night, the Brahms String Sextet and performances throughout the Festival.
Whether it’s hearing the Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic from just metres away, discovering one of Europe’s finest chamber ensembles or witnessing tomorrow’s stars before the rest of the world catches on, AFCM 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience global musical excellence in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
This July, the world’s finest musicians aren’t just coming to Australia. They’re coming to Cairns.
In 2026, the Festival enters an exciting new chapter, relocating to Cairns, Queensland, Australia, where from 24 July to 1 August it will transform the tropical city into a global chamber music capital. Here, extraordinary performances will unfold against the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, creating a rare fusion of cultural and destination appeal.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music: 24 July – 1 August, 2026
www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland; Cairns Regional Council; the Ian Potter Foundation; and the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
/who-and-sesam-event-in-lyon.tmb-768v.jpg?sfvrsn=6788f1a1_1)
