The Newcastle Music Festival (NMF) has announced its 2024 lineup. In its seventh year, the festival offers 13 events between 8–18 August and is the first under the sole artistic direction of composer Ross Fiddes after the departure of David Banney last year.

In addition, a special festival encore on 23 August hosts the exclusive NSW appearance of British baritone and composer Roderick Williams.

Roderick Williams. Photo © Theo Williams

The festival kicks off on 8 August with Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth), performed by Opera Australia artists Iain Henderson and Genevieve Dickson, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Wilson.

It’s the first of a selection of vocal and choral highlights in the program. On 10 August, Ben Mingay performs with vocalists Heather Price and Sue Carson and pianist Bev Kennedy in a varied program of song. The Festival Choir performs under the baton of Christopher Allan on 11 August,...