Kathryn Stott Appointed Artistic Director of Australian Festival of Chamber Music

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) and its Artistic Director, Piers Lane AO, today announced that following his highly successful tenure of 11 years, and a number of contract extensions over that time, the 2017 Festival will be Piers' final as Artistic Director.

The Board of Directors of AFCM conducted an international search for a successor, and is grateful for Piers' advice and support during the process.

Ms Kathryn Stott is today announced as Artistic Director of AFCM for the 2018 - 2020 Festivals. (See bio attached)

In paying tribute to Mr Lane's leadership, Festival Chair, Sandra Yates, said: "Piers has been a part of the AFCM family for such a long time that it is inevitably sad to say goodbye, but over the past decade, the Festival has doubled in size, and Piers' stature as an international concert pianist has grown exponentially too. This decision will create new opportunities for Piers, and the Festival, and we part with mutual regard, and the confident expectation that we will welcome Piers back as a performer many times in the years to come."

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Lane said 'My times in Townsville have been among the happiest in my career. My mother's side of the family were all born there, so the North is in my blood and my relationship with the Festival has been a very meaningful one. Though my time at the helm of the AFCM is coming to an end, my association with the city and the festival certainly won't. And I'm thrilled that Kathy Stott will succeed me - there isn't a more suitable artistic director on the planet! She is a truly great musician and person and has all the qualities and contacts to take the festival to new heights.'

Ms Stott has been a Festival guest three times, and is well known to AFCM audiences. Her international reputation as a piano soloist, chamber musician, artistic director, and educator are well known, and the Board is delighted that she has accepted the role.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms Stott said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be given this wonderful opportunity of taking over the artistic baton from my dear colleague, Piers Lane, and relish the challenges that lay ahead. The AFCM holds a very special place in the hearts of so many music lovers in Australia, and I look forward to welcoming them back to Townsville and joining me on this very exciting journey."

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

28 July - 5 August 2017 | Townsville, North Queensland

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a friendly, unique and internationally acclaimed event presenting the world's finest chamber musicians in a 9-day program of concerts and special events. Held in the tropical winter warmth of Townsville, North Queensland, the Festival attracts 30 to 40 of the world's finest chamber musicians to perform in a variety of combinations and venues featuring up to 3 concerts a day, and a highly entertaining program. The Festival has developed an international reputation for the quality of musicians performing and its innovative programming across a range of chamber music styles. AFCM 2016 will be Artistic Director Piers Lane's 10th Anniversary.

AFCM principal partners include; Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, Creative Partnerships Australia and Townsville City Council.

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