When Composers Collide: Bach Off, Brahms!

The Staves are drawn for this year’s Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) and

Artistic Director Jack Liebeck is bringing some of classical music’s biggest beefs to the stage!

From the polite applause of concert halls to passive-aggressive piano sonatas and seriously shady letters, classical music has had its fair share of beef. Forget Kanye vs. Taylor Swift – the OGs of musical rivalry wore waistcoats, carried quills, and composed sonatas with side-eye.

This July, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville-Gurambilbarra will bring them all together in one gloriously dramatic, harmony-breaking showdown: Duelling Composers: Staves Drawn!

We all know the Rolling Stones vs. The Beatles and Oasis vs. Blur. But how about Tchaikovsky calling Brahms a “conceited mediocrity”? Or Brahms famously dozing off during Liszt’s epic sonata? The egos were enormous, the talent even more so.

Tchaikovsky vs. Brahms vs. Liszt

One hated the other’s symphonies. The other probably didn’t notice. Tchaikovsky once said of Brahms: “It angers me that this conceited mediocrity is regarded as a genius.” Brahms once fell asleep during one of Liszt’s performances.

Debussy vs. Ravel

Both French, both brilliant, both accused of copying each other. Critics often mistook their work, much to their mutual frustration. Ravel once said, “Debussy’s music is a beautiful sunset mistaken for dawn.”

Mozart vs. Salieri

Fuelled by legend and Hollywood, the drama between these two has sparked centuries of speculation.

Brahms vs. Wagner

It wasn’t just about music—it was a philosophical war and they threw daggers… through symphonies.

To modern day – Philip Glass vs. Steve Reich

Minimalist maestros, former classmates, then… the silent treatment for 40 years.In a true story: they once ran a furniture-moving company together! Their cold war ended in 2012 with a handshake and a performance.

AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck says, bring the duels on! “Duelling Composers: Staves Drawn! is AFCM’s mischievous musical mash-up of clashing egos and colliding styles. It’s fun, and surprisingly relevant. Because whether it’s 1785 or 2025, musicians just can’t resist a little drama. Don’t miss this rare chance to enjoy centuries of sass, spite, and symphonies—all played with passion and precision by the incredible artistic flying in from all around the world,” he said.

🎻 WHAT: Duelling Composers: Staves Drawn🎻 WHEN: Wednesday 30 July, 7.30pm🎻 WHERE: Townsville Civic Theatre
🎻 WHY: Because musical feuds are timeless, delicious – and strangely inspiring.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 August

Tickets on sale at www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm

Options for full Festival passes include Gold and Gold Plus subscriptions, or pick and choose concerts with a Silver or Silver Plus subscription, plus three-night holiday packages at afcm.com.au

AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.