Newcastle Dance Academy
Celebrating 30 years of excellence, Newcastle Dance Academy (NDA) is one of the region’s leading training institutions for classical and contemporary dance.
Classical
Tracy Caldwell-Ostermann
Tracy Caldwell-Ostermann is one of the founders, and director of Newcastle Dance Academy, a visionary educator whose passion for dance and commitment to excellence has shaped generations of young artists over the past 30 years.
Jessica Miller
Head of the Full-Time Program at Newcastle Dance Academy, Jessica is an inspiring creative force. Her choreography is known for its musicality, sophistication, and emotional depth—beautifully showcased in works such as Points on Jazz and Carnival of the Animals.
Coady Green
One of Australia’s most sought-after concert pianists, Coady Green has established a reputation as a major talent on the international stage, described as “a virtuoso pianist with sensitivity, intelligence and charm” (Musical Opinion, London). Coady makes his Festival debut with lyric mezzo soprano Linda Barcan.
Chamber Music in the Hunter
Chamber Music in the Hunter is a dynamic grouping of musicians sharing classical music with Newcastle and Hunter Valley communities. Led by violinist Elizabeth Holowell OAM, the group’s core musicians include Anthea Scott-Mitchell; Catherine Sheng-Cooper and Jennifer St George.
Bach Akademie Australia
Bach Akademie Australia is a dynamic and expert group of internationally recognised instrumentalists and singers which aims to share with all Australians the inspiration and joyful excitement found in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. They appear this year with singer Miriam Allan.
Miriam Allan
The “sublime singing” (Gramophone, 2017) of soprano Miriam Allan has been enjoyed across the world, from her native Australia, through Japan and Singapore, as well as at festivals throughout Europe and North America and the Funeral of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Miriam returns to Newcastle in August for two sublime concerts.
Patricia Turner
Australian-born soprano Patricia has pursued classical vocal studies for over fourteen years, developing a rich and versatile voice across operatic, concert, and sacred repertoire. Patricia performs in Opera Cocktails.
Meechot Marrero
Sydney-based Puerto Rican soprano Meechot Marrero has forged an international career across opera, concert, and festival stages.
Mitchell Berick
Mitchell Berick is a member of the clarinet section of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2010. Mitchell has played as Guest Principal Clarinet with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra the Opera Australia Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and has also performed extensively with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.