Arts and Heritage Contribution

The University of Newcastle plays an active role in local arts via ongoing public performances, community‑affiliated ensembles, and inclusive music programs.

Newcastle University Choir
The University supports a community choir, the Newcastle University Choir, which currently comprises around 100 voices drawn from students, staff, and local residents.
The Choir performs a broad repertoire (from sacred masterworks to jazz, gospel, and contemporary works) and appears in prominent local venues such as the University’s Great Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Harold Lobb Concert Hall.
Conservatorium Events & Ensemble Programs
The University’s Conservatorium of Music regularly hosts public concerts, recitals, workshops, and student showcase events.
Recent scheduled events include “Combined Choirs Concert,” “Wind Student Recital,” community string concerts, and band performances by students.
Community & Special‑Interest Choirs
The Conservatorium offers inclusive, community-based choirs that welcome participation from people beyond the student cohort:
- The Unforgettables choir: for people with a dementia diagnosis and their care partners, meeting weekly and performing in public events.
- BrainWaves Stroke Survivors Choir: free to attend, this choir includes stroke survivors and their carers and offers performance opportunities in community settings.
Ad Hoc & Assessment‑Based Performances
Students in the Conservatorium also participate in public performances as part of their coursework. For instance, Bachelor of Music students perform at venues such as the Clarendon Hotel in “Bands at the Claro” (a free event).
The University also marks anniversary milestones with special concerts that include alumni and community performers.
Combined Performances
The University hosts combined concerts that bring together multiple choirs. For example, in May 2025 a Combined Choirs Concert featured BrainWaves, The Unforgettables, The Vocal Company, The Callaghan Singers, and others.

Together, these programs show that the University of Newcastle not only supports but actively contributes to the cultural life of the region through regular, public performances by its choirs, orchestras, ensembles, and community‑based music initiatives. These programs and events are annual; they ran in 2024, have continued 2025, and will continue on in the years to come.