Music and theatre

Music and theatre contribute enormously to the city’s cultural vibrancy, which comes as no surprise given that the University’s distinguished music department has a history of international significance. The Old Teachers College is home to the New England Conservatorium, which nurture the Armidale Symphony Orchestra, Armidale Youth Orchestra, Fiori Musicali, New England Sings and many choral and other musical groups.

The calendar is full of musical events, including the Big Chill Festival, a biennial Bach Festival, Musica Viva, and a month-long Eisteddfod program. Orchestras, rock and jazz bands, and world-renowned musicians of all ages perform at NECOM and other venues, including UNE, licensed clubs and pubs, heritage buildings and wineries.

Drama and musical productions are another flourishing dimension of the city’s rich performing arts scene. Theatres are rarely dark here with amateur and professional companies, UNE Theatre Studies, schools and colleges producing shows, and high-profile touring companies, stopping by on their national tours.

Armidale’s performing arts venue, the Hoskins Centre, is a creative arts complex with a state-of-the-art theatre, rehearsal rooms, art studios and exhibition space.