Lily Szabó
Lily Szabó is a young soprano in Year 11 at Hunter School of Performing Arts. Lily has sung from a young age, and hopes to follow a career in opera.
Vocal
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.
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.
Linda Barcan
Lyric mezzo-soprano Linda Barcan trained in theatre and singing voice at the University of Newcastle, the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Linda will perform with renowned pianist, Coady Green.
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.
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.