Erin Sweetman
ERIN SWEETMAN In demand as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist and teacher, Erin Sweetman is one of the Hunter region’s most loved musicians. Most recently, Erin performed Beethoven’s virtuosic […]
Artists
Michael Kaufmann
Michael Kaufmann is an Australian tenor, currently based in Sydney. Originally from Canberra, Michael completed a Masters degree in the Sydney Conservatorium Opera School in 2023. n 2026, Michael joins the Opera Australia Chorus for the centenary production of Puccini’s Turandot. Michael appears in Opera Cocktails for Newcastle Music Festival in August.
Erin Helyard
Erin Helyard has been acclaimed as an inspiring conductor and a virtuosic, expressive performer of the harpsichord and fortepiano. He appears in the 2026 Newcastle Music Festival with soprano Miriam Allan in their program “Weavers of Song”.
Heather Price
Heather Price, vocalist and double bass player, leads the Dungeon Big Band in a concert of classic big band favourites.
CHRIST CHURCH CAMERATA
Christ Church Camerata will perform a new chamber version of Mahler’s First Symphony arranged by David Banney in the Festival Finale.
Christopher Richardson
Australian bass-baritone Christopher Richardson is acclaimed for his commanding stage presence and versatility across the oratorio and concert repertoire. A sought-after interpreter of the great sacred works, he has appeared with leading orchestras and choirs throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Elizabeth Cooper
Elizabeth Cooper is a Brisbane born Mezzo-soprano who holds a Master of Music (Operatic Performance) and a Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Elizabeth is thrilled to be a 2025/2026 Young Artist with Opera Queensland and to make her debut with the company in their May performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle and then as a soloist for the 2026 Festival of Outback Opera Tour, before her appearance at Newcastle Music Festival in Opera Cocktails.
Duo Mimesi
Duo Mimesi has already established a significant international presence, performing in Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom to enthusiastic public and critical acclaim.
Aleta King
Aleta King is the Director of Avondale Conservatorium at Avondale University, Australia. In this year’s Festival Choirs Concert Aleta will conduct the combined Festival Choirs with soloists Meechot Marrero, Deborah Humble, Brad Cooper and Christopher Richardson, with associate artists Duo Mimesi and Greg Smith.
Brad Cooper
Brad Cooper has performed many operatic roles and oratorio in concerts halls throughout the world. In this year’s Festival Choirs Concert Brad will perform with the combined Festival Choirs with other soloists Meechot Marrero, Deborah Humble, and Christopher Richardson, with associate artists Duo Mimesi and Greg Smith, conducted by Dr. Aleta King.