Mackay Chamber Music Festival

20/08/2026

🎶Can you believe it’s been a month since the Mackay Chamber Music Festival weekend? We would like to warmly thank everyone who made this year’s festival such a success. Firstly, a huge thank you to our presenting sponsor – the Hannan Mason Foundation . With their support, the festival was able to reach further and wider than ever before. It began with a free concert in Moranbah for rural students from the Mackay-Isaac region by Ensemble Q followed by the four incredible concerts and masterclasses over the weekend.

Once again piano students from the Mackay region entertained patrons in the foyer before the shows. Thank you to Margaret Chalmers Music Studio and Kerry Harold School of Music for these wonderful pre-concert performances.

A special thanks to the MCMF committe and all the staff and volunteers at the Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music and Conservatorium Friends Mackay Inc . 🎶

📷 Thank you to Simon Pope for his incredible footage of the weekend 📷

20/08/2026

Footage of the Ensemble Q concert in Moranbah made possible by the generous Hannan Mason Foundation Such an incredible opportunity for students in regional Queensland. . 🎻

19/07/2026

18/07/2026

Creating connection, opportunity and inspiration across Mackay, Isaac and the Whitsundays.

Hannan Mason Foundation is proud to announce its event sponsorship of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival in 2026. While our sponsorship is new, the festival is not. Founded in 2018 by Mackay born musician, Glenn Christensen, Associate Concertmaster with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the festival showcases exceptional music and artistic excellence. It also creates the opportunity for regional musicians and audiences to experience, learn and grow by working with renowned world class musicians – an opportunity more commonly found only in capital cities.

This year, with the support of the Hannan Mason Foundation the festival has expanded its reach to the Isaac region with the first schools concert for students in Moranbah yesterday.
This event exemplifies the community benefits from this festival and reinforces our decision to support this initiative.. The Mackay Chamber Music Festival reflects many of the values that guide our work — community connection, opportunity, education and lasting impact.

We look forward to sharing this year's Festival journey with you.

Find out more about this year's Mackay Chamber Music Festival: https://mackaycmf.com.au/

17/07/2026

Such an incredible opportunity for students in regional Queensland. Thank you Ensemble Q and The Hannan Mason Foundation for presenting this free concert. 🎻

Visit Mackay Isaac, Queensland, Australia

17/07/2026

Last night, the Lyrebird Trio openly rehearsed at the Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music . What a fantastic treat for the people of Mackay to get a glimpse 'behind the scenes' into the preparation that goes into the annual Mackay Chamber Music Festival.

The festival is proudly supported by the the Hannan Mason Foundation.

📷 Simon Pope

16/07/2026

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

✨ What does it take to create a piece of music that is performed around the world ✨

This July, Mackay audiences have a rare opportunity to find out.

Acclaimed Australian composer Anne Cawrse will join the Mackay Chamber Music Festival, with two of her works featured throughout the festival program. She will also present a special free, informal public talk, sharing insights into her creative process, the stories behind her music, and what it means to be a composer in the 21st century.

Performed by leading artists and ensembles across Australia and internationally, Anne's music has established her as one of Australia's most exciting and respected compositional voices.

Whether you're a musician, music lover, student, or simply curious about creativity, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from a world-class artist in an intimate and informal setting.

🎼 Anne Cawrse – Composer Talk
🎟 Free event
📅 18 July 2026, 1-2pm
📍 Mackay Chamber Music Festival

World-class artists. Extraordinary insights. Right here in Mackay. Proudly presented by the Hannan Mason Foundation.

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

🎻 Go Behind the Music This Thursday 🎻

Have you ever wondered what happens before the performance?

This Thursday, we're opening the doors and inviting the community to experience a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival in action.

Join us for a special Open Rehearsal and watch our artists as they shape, refine and bring extraordinary music to life in preparation for the festival's performances. It's a unique opportunity to witness the creative process up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry, collaboration and craftsmanship that underpin every concert.

Whether you're a music lover, a curious newcomer, a student, or simply looking for something different to do, we'd love to welcome you.

📍 CQCM Theatre, Boundary Road
🕟 4:30pm–5:30pm
📅 Thursday 16 July
🎟 Free to attend
More information:
🌐 www.mackaycmf.com.au/open-rehearsal

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proudly presented by the Hannan Mason Foundation, helping bring world-class cultural experiences to our region.