A Celebration in Sound

Celebrate six decades of excellence at Sixty: A Celebration in Sound, a special concert showcasing the incredible talent of more than NINETY music graduates in the University’s 60th year.

Hosted by MC Jacqui Daley, this unique event brings together a distinguished orchestra of alumni, alongside special alumni guest artists who have made their mark on national and international stages, for an unforgettable evening of music.

Experience performances by Newcastle-born Mitchell Berick, Principal Bass Clarinet with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, renowned baritone Dr Christopher Allan, Marissa Saroca, Amy Vee, Poppi Kent (Chain Daisy), Andrew Chubb, Super Tonics, Bob Corbett & the Roo Grass Band, a special orchestra comprising University music graduates - and more! 

After the concert, enjoy drinks on the lawn and connect with fellow music lovers, alumni, students, and staff. Hosted in the iconic Great Hall - a building built by our community - this will be a night not to be missed! 

This special concert will transform passion for music into life-changing opportunity, with all ticket proceeds supporting Shaping Future Scholarships for students in need to continue their education.

Gather your family and friends and register now! 

N.B. After the concert a Conservatorium Reunion will be hosted for music graduates and former and current staff on the Conservatorium. If you are a music graduate/staff, please click here for the registration link to this event.

Mitchell Berick Newcastle-born clarinettist Mitch Berick studied at the Newcastle Conservatorium before training at London’s Royal Academy of Music and the Australian National Academy of Music. Since 2010, he has been Principal Bass Clarinet with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and performs widely across Australia and New Zealand.

Erin Sweetman is one of the Hunter region’s most accomplished and loved pianists. She has performed major works including Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Erin regularly appears as soloist and collaborator at the Newcastle Music Festival, Maitland Heritage Festival, and with Christ Church Camerata. She is also a passionate music educator and Musical Director, currently Acting CAPA Co-ordinator at St Francis Xavier’s College.

Marissa Saroca(they/them) is lead singer of the much-loved local band The Vanguard Players, an award-nominated musical director (PASSING STRANGE), and acclaimed performer in productions including Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Lizzie, Chess, and Rent. Marissa has released two original albums and a single, showcasing her versatile talent.

Dr Christopher Allan is a distinguished baritone and a frequent soloist with major choirs and Opera Australia, he has also performed with The Song Company and Pinchgut Opera. As Musical Director of the Newcastle University Choir, Chris has led acclaimed performances of major choral works including Messiah and St Matthew Passion.

Amy Vee is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years’ experience. She has toured internationally, opened for artists including Passenger and Luka Bloom, and starred in major theatre roles such as Evita and Chess: The Musical. A mental-health advocate, Amy chairs national charity Listen Up Music and continues to perform and compose widely.

Dan Wilson (Music Director), Head of Creative & Performing Arts at Lambton High, is ARIA-nominated Music Teacher of the Year, Starstruck Musical Director, orchestral performer (Phantom, Wicked, Lion King), arranger for top artists, and resident Musical Director for The Very Popular Theatre Company.

Lead singer of renowned folk duo Chain Daisy, Poppi Kent is a singer, songwriter, and vocal coach with over 16 years’ experience across classical, jazz, musical theatre, folk, and pop. A 2024 Conservatorium graduate with Distinction and Doris Smith Scholar, Poppi pairs technical mastery with heartfelt storytelling in every performance.

Short Back and Sides is a charismatic barbershop quartet founded by the late David Jones and featuring music grads Paul Tenorio, Stuart Brown, Steve Hudson, and Kyle Williams. The quartet have been charming audiences for years with their slick harmonies, cheeky humour, and standout TV appearances.

Andrew Chubb, pianist, composer, and conductor, is a pioneer of Philip Glass’s piano music in Australia, giving multiple all-Glass recitals and Australian premieres of The Hours and The Book of Sounds. His compositions are performed internationally, and he promotes contemporary repertoire through acclaimed performances and broadcasts on ABC Classic FM.

Rose Sun is a standout classical pianist and current Conservatorium student. Trained from age four, she is an award-winning performer, she presents solo recitals, original compositions, and collaborations across genres. Audiences at the concert will experience the exceptional talent of our students through her inspiring performance.