Sustainable Cities and Communities
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.
2024 Highlights
Welcome to Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
Conservatorium Events
Upcoming events
Live performance
Bruce Mathiske in Concert
Get ready to experience the hypnotic fusion of guitar and didgeridoo like never before!
Live performance
Community Strings Winter Concert
Showcasing the achievements of the wonderful string students at the Conservatorium of Music.
Live performance
Make your own Music! NYO Term 2 Concert
A choral collaboration with the BrainWaves Stroke Survivors Choir, Callaghan Singers, Supertonics, Unforgettables and Vocal Company.
Live performance
Northern Lights: Journey to the World Choir Games
Newcastle Chamber Choir showcases their competition repertoire before they represent Australia at the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden.
Live performance
SEUSSICAL JR.!
A Dr Seuss-inspired stage spectacular is coming to Newcastle this July school holidays!
Workshop
Cinematic Sounds - School Holiday Workshop
A two day school holiday workshop that provides students with the opportunity to put sound to a short, animated film.
Workshop
Jazz and Groove Improv - Two Day Workshop
Two day workshop designed to unlock creativity and build confidence in jazz and groove improvisation.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Tom Cashman
Tom Cashman is back in town with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Mid Flight Brawl
Nick Cody and Luke Heggie are back in town for another hour of crook plane mishaps.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Nick Cody
Nick Cody is back where he belongs, saying hilarious/distasteful things on stage.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Luke Heggie
Luke Heggie takes the stage as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Daniel Muggleton
Come see the man in the red tracksuit live on-stage, with a brand-new hour of fearless stand-up comedy.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Ivan Aristeguieta
Australia’s favourite Venezuelan is back with a hilarious new show about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat.
In person
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards Concert
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards celebrate our next generation of talented jazz musicians.
Conservatorium News
News • 18 Nov 2025
A Celebration in Sound — musical generations unite to amplify 60 years of unwavering talent
The University of Newcastle’s Great Hall will come alive with the musical talents of local artists and generations of alumni this weekend, as the University further marks its 60th year with a powerful Celebration of Sound.
News • 29 Jul 2025
Celebrating the next generation of jazz musicians at the inaugural Jacob Neale Jazz Awards
Showcasing the next generation of emerging jazz musicians in Jacob Neale's honour.
News • 25 Jun 2025
Calling all Newcastle Conservatorium Alumni
The Con is curating a special concert featuring performances by our talented alumni — and we want you to be part of it!
News • 14 Feb 2024
Exciting news for the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music
The University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sue Carson (School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences) as the new Conservatorium Coordinator. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Sue brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.
News • 20 Aug 2019
The next wave of research stars in the limelight
With thousands of hours of research condensed into just three minutes, 15 bright and determined postgraduate students will take the stage at The Conservatorium on Friday (23 August) to compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
News • 19 Jul 2019
Virtual concert set to transform performance possibility
The University of Newcastle will host Newcastle’s first ever virtual concert this week, as students test the boundaries of immersive performance.
News • 26 Jun 2018
Community Music Scholarships 2019
Applications for 2019 scholarships accepted until 3 November 2018
News • 01 Jan 2018
2018 Term Dates
FInd out the Newcastle Conservatorium Community Music Term Dates for 2017. Contact the Conservatorium Reception for more information...
News • 06 Dec 2017
An impressive creation to mark the 40th year finale
Internationally renowned soprano and UON alumna, Miriam Allan, will join the Newcastle University Choir for their final performance of 2017
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.