Rhapsody | Mitchell Berick & Erin Sweetman | Newcastle Music Festival Concert One

Talented Novocastrians, past and present, clarinettist Mitchell Berick and pianist Erin Sweetman, open the 2026 Festival with a concert of lyrical works. Harold Lobb Concert Hall, the venue, has one of the finest acoustics in Australia, comfortable seating and great sightlines for every audience member.

Program: Francis Poulenc: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Leonard Bernstein: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Robert Muczynski: Time Pieces Claude Debussy: Premiere Rhapsodie Andrew Chubb - Berceuse

Visit Newcastle in August! There is so much to enjoy in this beautiful city – the weather is usually crisp and clear. Don't miss Darby Street or the Harbour Foreshore with a world of restaurants and designer shops. The light rail and bus services will take you wherever you want to go, or just enjoy a walk! There are plenty of great accommodation options.

Watch for whales from any beach vantage point, and the famous dolphin pod fishing off the Ocean Baths. Enjoy the coastal walk to Bar Beach, and lunch at Merewether Surf House. Ride a bike along the scenic Fernleigh Track. The rainforests of Glenrock Lagoon make a beautiful stopover on the way.

Image credits: Erin Sweetman - Kurt Sneddon; Newcastle scenes - Michael Gormly