British violinist Jack Liebeck has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. He succeeds Kathryn Stott, who will step down at the conclusion of the 2020 Festival.

Jack Liebeck. Photograph © Kaupo-Kikkas

“Jack Liebeck is one of the world’s great violinists and teachers. Today we are delighted to share not only news of his appointment as incoming Artistic Director of AFCM, but also to acknowledge that Jack will take up the position as the first Émile Sauret Professor of Violin at the Royal Academy of Music, which was announced in London today,” said AFCM Chair Sandra Yates.

Liebeck has expressed his excitement at taking over as Artistic Director from Stott. “As a player, I experienced seven enjoyable AFCMs during Piers Lane’s tenure, forging many links and musical friendships. Now in its 30th year, the event has proven to be one of the outstanding chamber music festivals in the world, and perhaps the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. I look forward to programming my first festival in Townsville post haste!”

Liebeck serves as the Artistic Director of his own Oxford May Music festival, a music, science and...