The Newcastle Music Festival (NMF) has revealed its lineup for 2024, featuring a diverse array of performances spanning 13 events from August 8 to 18, with a special encore on August 23. This year marks the festival’s seventh edition and the first under the exclusive artistic direction of composer Ross Fiddes, succeeding David Banney who departed last year.
Highlighting the festival calendar is a special NSW appearance by British baritone and composer Roderick Williams during the festival encore on August 23.
The festival commences on August 8 with a performance of Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde” (The Song of the Earth) by Opera Australia artists Iain Henderson and Genevieve Dickson, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Wilson. Vocal and choral highlights continue with performances including Ben Mingay alongside vocalists Heather Price and Sue Carson on August 10, and the Festival Choir under Christopher Allan’s baton on August 11.
Chamber music enthusiasts can enjoy performances such as organist David Drury and trumpeter Andy Fiddes on August 9, and the Nexas Quartet presenting arrangements of Debussy and Decruck on August 10.
For jazz aficionados, pianist Simon Tedeschi collaborates with violinist George Washingmachine on August 16, and returns on August 17 with violinist Cedar-Rose Newman for a repertoire featuring Schubert, Prokofiev, and Gershwin.
The festival culminates on August 18 with Newcastle’s Christ Church Camerata, Artistic Director David Banney, and Eric Sweetman performing Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” Kilar’s “Orawa,” Groh’s “Intradas,” and a new work by Banney.
Additionally, the festival will host a special Rising Stars recital on August 11, showcasing young local talent. Applications for Rising Stars are open until June 30.
For the festival encore on August 23, Roderick Williams will present a recital alongside pianist Claire Howard Race, featuring English songs from his acclaimed album “A Shropshire Lad,” which received the 2023 Limelight Recording of the Year award. Williams will also conduct a masterclass ahead of the performance.
The Newcastle Music Festival promises a rich tapestry of musical experiences, embracing classical, jazz, and contemporary genres, solidifying its reputation as a cultural highlight in the region’s calendar.
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