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 Region - https://www.mackayregion.com

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.

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 – Belinda Rooney [engagement(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, Chelsea Jansen

Festival Supporters:

Festival Manager - Sam Torrens
Resident Piano Technician - Brian Wilson
Resident Interior Designer - Lauren Taylor Design

Mackay Chamber Music Festival wishes to thank the following sponsors:

With funding support from the Gambling Community Fund 

This year's festival is is supported by Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. 

Please visit our page on the Australian Cultural Fund to make a tax-deductible donation to the festival - every dollar raised through this ACF project will be matched with a funding ‘boost’ up to $5,000 from Creative Australia!

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is sincerely grateful for any contributions of support. All contributions will assist the delivery of the sixth festival, as well as supporting its return and growth into the future.

Sponsorship packages can be discussed on a case by case basis. Please get in touch with us if you wish to discuss an offer of support.

Thank you.

For all the latest news and updates about the Mackay Chamber Music Festival, please sign up for our mailing list.  Or keep up-to-date via our Facebook page or Instagram!

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canberra, Sam started playing cello at the age of 8 and the trombone two years later. In 2009 he graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium with degrees on Bass Trombone before delving into a career in Arts Management.

From 2010, Sam worked in the Operations team of the Australian Youth Orchestra. During his five years in this role, he managed numerous diverse musical projects across Australia as well as planning and executing two major International Tours, featuring performances in renown venues across Europe and in China including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Since 2015, Sam has held roles in Artistic Planning in with both the Auckland Philharmonia and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, which afforded him the opportunity to work alongside leading conductors and artists including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Christoph Eschenbach, Donald Runnicles, Simone Young, David Robertson, Sir Mark Elder, Anne Sophie Mutter, Emanuel Ax, Isabelle Faust, Simon O’Neill and Kirill Gerstein.

A passionate advocate for engaging new audiences and making classical music accessible, Sam has had the pleasure of creating and producing several innovative concert performances, including collaborations with the Pop-Up Globe, the cirque performers of the Dust Palace and a late-night ‘session’ with the Kiwi funk & soul fusion supergroup, Leisure.

Away from work Sam is a keen cook, a coffee lover and a tennis tragic.

Return to Festival Committee and Sponsors