In 2006 Novacek appeared in recital at Carnegie Hall with composers Ricky Ian Gordon and Jake Heggie who played their own works on the piano while she sang. That same year she sang the role of Laura in Alexander Dargomyzhsky's "The Stone Guest" with the American Symphony Orchestra under conductor Leon Botstein at Avery Fisher Hall, performed the role of Maddalena with Madison Opera, portrayed Messaggera in Monteverdi's "Orfeo" with Opera Atelier, and sang the role of Annina in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" in her debut with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. In 2007 she returned to Opera Atelier to portray the role of Penelope in Claudio Monteverdi's "Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria". In 2008 she sang the role of Marcellina in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" with Atlanta Opera.