For ten days, Newcastle will be home to top-notch Australian and international musical talent for the Newcastle Music Festival.
Now in its seventh season—after two years’ hiatus in 2020 and 2021—the 2024 program will run from Thursday, 8 August to Friday, 23 August 2024. With 13 events across three locations, lovers of classical music, opera, musical theatre or jazz will have plenty to choose from.
Opening the festival will be Opera Australia’s Genevieve Dickson and Iain Henderson, performing Mahler’s Song of the Earth on 8 August in Adamstown.
A returning favourite is the Festival Choir concert in Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral, where singers from the region come together and rehearse for just six months prior.
Other highlights include Opera Cocktails, where you can enjoy canapes, local wine and operatic classics performed by emerging Australian artists; and Destination Swing, a night of jazz and swing with the Newcastle-based Dungeon Big Band.
Rounding out the festivities is UK baritone Roderick Williams performing an encore of English folk music with pianist Claire Howard Race on Friday, 23 August — his only NSW concert on a whirlwind Australian tour.
The festival’s venues in Newcastle and Adamstown are a short walk from their respective stations, while the Opera Cocktails in Fullerton is a 20-minute drive from the Newcastle CBD. Concertgoers can also enjoy a stroll along Newcastle’s white beaches or stop in at one of the many local cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Whether you are a classical enthusiast or are simply looking to enjoy a musical winter’s night out, the Newcastle Music Festival is a must.
The Specifics:
What: Newcastle Music Festival
When: Thursday 8 August to Friday 23 August
Where: Venues throughout Newcastle
For more information on the full program or to buy tickets, visit the Newcastle Music Festival website.
