Christ Church Cathedral
You might not have stepped foot inside Christ Church Cathedral, but there’s no doubt you've seen it dominating Newcastle’s Skyline. Perched above the city on Church St, the Cathedral is one of our city’s finest and most historic buildings.
You might also be surprised to know the Cathedral is known for more than just its amazing architecture; it’s also a vibrant space for musical entertainment. The Cathedral maintains a music program that has benefited Newcastle for nearly 200 years, with the first record of music dating back to 1835 when a finger and barrel organ was in use.
These days you can find a full and active music program that includes three choirs, the Christ Church Camerata concert series, and Friends of Newcastle Cathedral Music.
Upcoming events at the Cathedral include Gypsy Airs by Christ Church Camerata this Sunday 30 May, a lively program of Gypsy-inspired music featuring a Violin Concerto by legendary Hungarian-born maestro Tommy Tycho. The following weekend laugh, cry and cheer to magnificent performances of popular opera arias, duets and ensemble pieces with a dash of musical theatre as The Underground Opera Company present Operarte. This will be no ordinary Opera concert!
Civic Theatre
The magnificent Civic Theatre is the heart and soul of live performance in Newcastle making it a favoured destination for well-known artists like Australian pianist Jayson Gillham. One of the finest pianists of his generation, Jayson has gained international praise for his compelling performances and he'll be taking to the Civic Theatre stage in October.
Jayson has performed with leading orchestras at some of the most prestigious venues in the world and in 2019 recorded all five of the Beethoven piano concertos with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Carter for ABC Classics. On this eagerly anticipated Australian tour presented by Andrew McKinnon, Jayson will be performing greatly loved works by Bach and Chopin.
Looking for something more intimate? Morning Melodies is a new musical program presented by Civic Theatre and the Angamus duo set in the Civic Theatre Bar. The monthly season promises to be a melodious experience to refresh and inspire your week. Often themed, Angamus’ performance style resonates with those who enjoy their music live and interactive. Genres include easy listening classical, popular, light jazz, folk, film and musical theatre styles. There’ll be something for everyone!
Newcastle Art Gallery
It might not be the first venue you think of when it comes to live music, but this year Newcastle Art Gallery will host four performances by Omega Ensemble, one of Australia’s foremost professional chamber music groups.
Founded in 2005 by clarinettist David Rowden, the Ensemble have fast become a powerful musical force in Sydney, hailed as ‘first-rate musicians’ (the Daily Telegraph) and ’one of the best chamber music outfits in town’ (Sydney Morning Herald).
Between June and December audiences can experience the musical talents of Omega Ensemble in the intimate setting of the Newcastle Art Gallery, a unique experience not to be missed!
Schedule:
27 June – Ex Machina
19 September – Continuum
31 October – Brahms, Bruch & Smalley
5 December – Russian Romantics
City Hall
The heritage listed Newcastle City Hall is one of Newcastle's most unique and prestigious venues, so it should be no surprise that it makes the list! The stunning Concert Hall was built to exhibit grandeur and encompass incredible acoustics, making it the ultimate venue for live performance.
This year you can enjoy four Musica Viva Sessions at City Hall, a unique chamber music experience that invites you to discover surprising collaborations from Australia’s most exciting classical music artists, performing the works they love.
Each session takes on a fresh new form as a constantly changing roster of musicians takes you into remarkable and inspiring spaces, creating one-night-only chamber music encounters that blend music, place, passion and knowledge.
Schedule:
26 July – Genevieve Lacey and Marshall McGuire
20 August – Ensemble Q
30 September – Goldner String Quartet
22 November – Chopin’s Piano with Aura Go
Love live music? Search the music category to see more great music events in Newcastle!