Alongside our usual masterclasses, workshops, and the second iteration of the Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship, I’m especially thrilled to be collaborating with The Boxties this year. Their inspiring approach to music-making—blending classical, folk, and contemporary traditions—aligns beautifully with the festival’s mission to engage, uplift, and bring people together through music. Our exciting side-by-side project will see local students working with The Boxties and our festival artists, culminating in a powerful final concert that truly embodies the spirit of community.
Alongside this, we welcome both familiar faces and exciting new artists to Mackay. Brilliant husband and wife duo, the guitar and cello virtuosi Slava and Sharon Grigoryan bring their exceptional artistry to the stage, and I’m thrilled to welcome the internationally acclaimed Orava Quartet, whose dynamic performances will be a festival highlight. They join our stellar lineup of festival musicians, including return appearances of Stefanie Farrands, Angela Turner and Doretta Balkizas in delivering an extraordinary mix of chamber music—ranging from beloved classics to bold and inspiring collaborations.
From intimate recitals to exhilarating large-scale performances, this festival is a celebration of artistry, storytelling, and shared musical joy. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, festival committee, and the many individuals who contribute their time and energy to making the MCMF a success. Most importantly, thank you—our audience—for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and love of music. Your support keeps this festival thriving, and I can’t wait for us all to experience another unforgettable weekend of music together! Check out all the details of the weekend's events here on the website, and be sure to book your tickets soon!
Yours in music,
Glenn
Born from a long-standing dream of giving back to his local community, the Mackay Chamber Music Festival (MCMF) was founded in 2018 by former Mackay local and internationally regarded violinist, and current Artistic Director, Glenn Christensen. Aiming to bring high-quality chamber music performances, workshops, and masterclasses to the Mackay region, a small but dedicated team of family, friends, volunteers, and supporters helped present the first iteration of the festival in July 2018 at the beautiful Mackay Masonic Temple.
In its first year, a grand piano was transported from Melbourne (thanks to Stewart Kelly’s House of Pianos), musicians performed at the same level as the audience, and the hall was transformed with hessian, bunting, and foliage courtesy of Lauren Taylor Design. Seven musicians presented four sold-out concerts and several masterclasses, making the inaugural MCMF a resounding success thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers and committee members.
Since then, the MCMF has become an annual event (excluding 2020, due to the challenges posed by COVID-19) and has grown significantly in size and scope. After two years in the Masonic Temple, the festival relocated to the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in 2021 to accommodate its expanding audience and increasing number of educational participants.
Over the years, the MCMF has expanded its educational outreach, offering numerous workshops, masterclasses, and rehearsals facilitated by festival artists. These initiatives have reached thousands of music lovers—students, teachers, and community and school groups—including a special “Adopt-a-Muso” relationship with the Longreach School of Distance Education. In 2024, the festival introduced the Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship to encourage and foster a love of music among local piano students, honoring the late Anne Thompson, a significant contributor to Mackay’s music scene.
Since its inception, the festival has featured some of Australia’s finest classical musicians and has become a significant cultural event in the area. Notable performers have included members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, as well as award-winning ensembles such as Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, the Lyrebird Trio, Arcadia Winds, The Boxties, and the Orava Quartet. These musicians have performed a diverse range of repertoire, from timeless chamber music classics to stunning contemporary works, in a series of intimate concerts held over a weekend.
With the support of its incredible committee, the Mackay Chamber Music Festival continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the Mackay region. By providing world-class musical experiences and educational opportunities, the festival aims to make music accessible and enjoyable for all while looking toward an exciting future of continued growth and inspiration.
In 1989 the Queensland Conservatorium of Music established a regional campus in Mackay to deliver tertiary music courses and support the vibrant performing arts community already well-established in Central Queensland. Providing a focal point for professional performance training in classical music, jazz, popular music, drama and music theatre, the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) was incorporated into CQUniversity in 1996.
In 2001, CQCM moved to a purpose-built facility at CQUniveristy's Mackay Ooralea campus cementing our commitment to being a major performing arts training centre attracting students from all states of Australia and overseas.
Since then, the Conservatorium has established industry partnerships with many of Australia's most experienced professional performers, theatre directors and agents, as well as links with international artists, producers, directors and performing arts organisations contributing to its current national and international status.
The MCMF is incredibly appreciative to CQCM for their generous support as Principal Sponsor of this year’s festival. Special thanks must also go to Judith Brown and all the Conservatorium staff for making this event a possibility in such a beautiful space.
A perfect getaway for families, couples or the single traveller, The Mackay Region can offer natural experiences, fun-filled adventures or pure relaxation with a backdrop of gorgeous scenery and amazing sunsets. Whether it’s inland, on the coast or in the City Centre, see nature come to life with unique and rare experiences in The Mackay Region.
Fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls and wake up surrounded by lush rainforest. Enjoy sunrise with wallabies or sink your toes in the sand at a secluded beach. These are just some of the unique and magical moments you will experience when you visit The Mackay Region.
Explore Australia’s largest sub-tropical rainforest with a visit to Eungella National Park and allow Finch Hatton Gorge to take your breath away. Find a secluded fishing spot to soak up the sun or head out on an exciting ocean adventure to one of the many surrounding islands.
Escape the crowds and discover untouched beaches and islands. Indulge in fresh, local produce at one of the many, friendly restaurants and eateries that offer superb hospitality. Take in the beautiful blue-water views of the Pioneer River.
Visit any time of the year and you will be able to immerse yourself in the local history and culture and experience exciting entertainment with an extensive choice of events that are unique to The Mackay Region.
So what are you waiting for? Escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise with a visit that will bring you closer to nature and leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated in The Mackay Region.
For more information, please visit The Mackay Isaac Region.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is passionate about bringing great quality chamber music to the region, to be played, listened to and enjoyed by great friends. We are very grateful to our extremely generous volunteer committee, who give their time, energy and passion to help us achieve this mission. We're always open to new ideas and members, so please get in touch if you'd like to join!
Management Committee:
President and Artistic Director – Glenn Christensen
Vice- President – John Christensen
Treasurer - Marty Burkett
Assistant Treasurer – Jan Whelan
Secretary – Vicki Christensen
Community Engagement Officer – Sarah Rozekrans and Lauren Christensen [community(at)mackaycmf.com.au]
Members – Prof. Judith Brown, Ros Burkett, Tricia Casey, Lauren Christensen, Carmel Daveson, Sam Torrens, Marilyn Arnold, Sarah Rozekrans, Kurt Wilk, Kristen Pengelly