The Australian Festival of Chamber Music has added to its international lineup of talent for 2026, confirming the South African-born double bassist and conductor Leon Bosch for its inaugural Cairns-Gimuy celebration, beginning 24 July.

Bosch is among the rare double bassists worldwide to direct concertos from his instrument, bringing more than three decades of experience as both performer and conductor to Far North Queensland.

After 30 years performing with leading ensembles including the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Hallé, he transitioned to conducting in 2015, studying in St Petersburg with Alexander Polishchuk before launching an international career that has taken him across the United Kingdom, Europe, India and South Africa.

Leon Bosch. Photo © Juno Snowden

As a concerto soloist, Bosch has appeared around the globe and collaborated with chamber groups including the Lindsays, the Brodsky Quartet and the Zukerman Chamber Players. He is also a champion of neglected repertoire, he has recorded 16 CDs, commissioned new works and created chamber arrangements of symphonic classics for his ensemble I Musicanti. 

Bosch is also an active mentor, supporting youth orchestras internationally and South African musicians through initiatives such as...