Orchestra Nova is Newcastle and the Hunter's only community orchestra. It was formed in 1991 as the Novocastrian Arts Orchestra. They play 4 concert series per year at Newcastle and Warner's Bay, and play at many community events such as Australia Day and the Mattara Festival. They also play for formal functions such as Cellar In The Cells,  and in 2006 played at the opening of the new Dancing Water Fountain at Hunter Valley Gardens.

The musicians playing in Orchestra Nova range from students to people of all ages and from many walks of life including teachers, doctors, engineers and retired people. Anyone who is able to play an orchestral instrument at a reasonable standard is welcome to join the orchestra.

Newcastle is located approximately 2 hours drive on the F3 north of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.