The Queensland Government and Queensland Music Festival (QMF) have announced internationally renowned singer-songwriter Katie Noonan as the new Artistic Director of the biennial state-wide celebration.
The four-time ARIA Award-winning and seven-time platinum selling songstress, who rose to fame with indie-pop outfit George, will be the first Queensland woman to sit at the helm of the Festival and its youngest ever Artistic Director. Ms Noonan’s four-year appointment will commence immediately, following the tenure of acclaimed jazz musician James Morrison, who served as Artistic Director from 2012 to 2015.
“Multi-talented musician, vocalist and songwriter Katie Noonan is the perfect choice to lead the long-established festival into its next exciting phase,” said Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts. “Raised and based in Queensland, Katie Noonan has built an international profile and fan-base across many musical genres including jazz, opera, classical, pop and rock, but she has always kept close ties to her home state.”
“Her track record as an ARIA award winner and platinum selling artist, her personal knowledge of Queensland that she gained touring with her bands and as a solo artist, and her far-reaching professional network make her the ideal candidate to lead future Queensland Music Festivals. I’m confident Katie’s artistic leadership will see her create an innovative program with sensational musical experiences to engage audiences and enhance Queensland’s reputation as a culturally dynamic state.”
Ms Noonan said she was excited to bring the Queensland story to life through music. “I want Queenslanders to see and hear their story and feel that this Festival truly represents them,” said Ms Noonan. “I want QMF to be for, about and by Queenslanders, and an event that engages, includes and celebrates the people of this fantastic state.”
“I also believe that everyone who talks can sing and that music brings us together like nothing else can. I want QMF to be a platform for people from all walks of life to find themselves singing – in the audience, in the shower, in the family kitchen, at choir rehearsals, on the street, even on stage with legendary singers – wherever!”
QMF Chair Athol Young said the board and team were delighted a famous Queenslander would be furthering the Festival’s ambition to transform lives through music. “Katie’s passion, excitement and commitment to her home state really shone in the recruitment process,” said Mr Young. “James created a wonderful legacy for the Festival across Queensland and we look forward to seeing Katie build on this and make it her own.”
For more information, visit: www.qmf.org.au for details.
Image: Katie Noonan – photo by Cybele Malinowski