Newcastle Festival Opera Co-Operative Ltd was formed in 2006 to provide staged performance opportunities for young Australian singers and instrumentalists as well as production teams and theater technicians. 

Based in its home city, NFOpera performs in Newcastle, the Hunter Region and Regional NSW. 

The founding team consists of Ghillian Sullivan; principal Operatic Soprano, and Dr Ian Cook; University Lecturer, Conductor and Clarinetist. Their 60 years combined experience in performing and teaching enables NFO to offer mentorship and artist development through practical application of skills in staged performances.

Board members serve in a capacity where consideration is given to their ability and experience to fulfill the many areas of expertise necessary for the success of an entrepreneurial Music Production company.

The greater skills gained by NFO artists through our productions, bridges the gap between tertiary training and the level of expertise necessary to enter the wider Australian or overseas arts arenas.

NFO offers to schools, performances with orchestra and soloists, which introduces students to a greater range of experience of vocal and live instrumental music.  

Our Schools’ program is creative, educational and inventive, engaging students with characters from Opera, such as Hansel and Gretel, Carmen and the Toreador, and the fantastic world of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. 

Visit our History Page to see the wide range of repertoire which NFO performs including opera to Broadway; ballet music to cabaret or chamber music. 

NFO can also provide individual artists, ensembles, big bands or orchestra for your special event or private function - small or large.