Voices of Remembrance is a musical memorial—presented by the Queensland Government in partnership with Queensland Music Festival (QMF)—commemorating the centenary of the signing of the Armistice that led to the end of the First World War. This momentous event is one of the final anniversaries to be observed during the Anzac Centenary period, 2014–2018.

Specially selected by music director Dr Jonathon Welch AM, founder of The Choir of Hard Knocks, the repertoire includes anthems that reflect on war, peace and the enduring legacy of the Anzac spirit.

In addition to a world premiere by revered Australian composer Gordon Hamilton, musical
highlights of the two-hour concert include favourite songs from the era, Keep the Home Fires Burning and It’s A Long Road to Tipperary, through to contemporary works such as Kristin Berard’s A Mother’s Plea and Eric Bogle’s And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. QMF Artistic Director Katie Noonan said each concert would feature a distinct musical narrative, written specifically for Toowoomba and Cairns locales by award-winning Queensland playwright and director Daniel Evans, a past recipient of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award.

“Voices of Remembrance spotlights the history and legacy of the community during the First World War, and acknowledges the vital role of Indigenous soldiers and the Australian Light Horse, whose actions helped turn the tide of war in favour of the allies,” Ms Noonan said.

“These powerful concerts will help everyone reconnect with moving stories from the First World War, and pay tribute to the peace that came with the signing of the Armistice.”

Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School’s Director of Performing Arts, Nerida Eckert, said she was proud to perform as part of the Toowoomba core choir alongside her husband and members of her local community.

“Voices of Remembrance is a worthy celebration of Australian history and an important event to reflect on the sacrifice of ordinary Australians to provide us with a better quality of life,” Ms Eckert said.

“It is a wonderful experience to perform with high calibre conductors, soloists and musicians alongside my fellow choristers.”

Community choirs all over Queensland have been rehearsing the Voices of Remembrance concert repertoire in their own communities and will showcase their work with performances at pop-up events, community gatherings or formal concerts in the lead up to, or in conjunction with, their Remembrance Day services.

Many groups from across the state have embraced this opportunity, with groups from Mount Isa, across to Charters Towers and down to Cunnamulla and Scenic Rim already confirming their local performance details.

The free Voices of Remembrance concerts in Toowoomba and Cairns are part of a broad and inclusive suite of Armistice Centenary commemorations across the state to ensure the Anzac legacy is preserved for future generations.

Voices of Remembrance, Toowoomba
Friday, 9 November 2018
7pm – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
www.qld.gov.au/remembranceday

Voices of Remembrance, Cairns
Saturday, 10 November 2018
7pm – Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns
www.qld.gov.au/remembranceday

Following on from a number of years of unique and highly-acclaimed projects – Songs That Made Me, Love Song Circus, Songbook and Songs of the Southern Skies with Karin Schaupp – this celebrated singer songwriter is ready to share her new original material. The EP will feature two new tracks – ‘Peace Is My Drug’ and ‘Cloud of Home’ – with additional remixes to tantalise the senses. ‘Peace Is My Drug’ is based around the Michael Leunig poem ‘Peace’, with Leunig creating a second verse to the poem exclusively for this song.

Katie is thrilled to work with a band again, returning to her first love and harking back to the days of George after several solo, duo, ensemble and cross platform collaborations in recent years. This new band line-up includes two members of The Captains – Stu Hunter and Declan Kelly, as well as outstanding Melbourne guitarist Ben Edgar (Angus & Julia Stone). The tour will see the band premiering new material from the ‘Peace Is My Drug’ EP and forthcoming album, as well as songs from The Katie Noonan and The Captains project and one or two Noonan favourites.

As a proudly independent artist, Katie is launching a PledgeMusic campaign, an undertaking that will enable her to finish and release an album of new material.

Katie discussed the campaign, saying, ‘I have been hesitant to do so for many years, as I figure it’s enough to ask people to come to my gigs and buy my albums. But having produced six independent albums in close to five years, I am in a position now where I would love to invite my wonderful audience and supporters to be part of the journey for my next album.

My next album feels like a return to me. This is the first truly Katie album with all new material in a long time. All in all, I’m really proud of these songs and so excited to be able to share them.’

The PledgeMusic campaign launched February 12 via www.pledgemusic.com.au/katienoonan with the ‘Peace Is My Drug’ EP available as an instant download for those interested in making a contribution towards Katie’s next project. Further offerings including mentorship programs, an exclusive live album and an at-home private concert, will be available in support of the new album release, with more exciting initiatives to be announced.

Katie Noonan’s Vanguard Tour
Thursday, 12th March, The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC
Friday, 13th March, Wellers Restaurant, Kangaroo Ground, VIC
Saturday, 14th March, Aurora Spiegeltent, Adelaide SA – ‘Garden of Unearthly Delights’
Wednesday, 18th March, Lizotte’s Restaurant, Dee Why, NSW
Thursday, 19th March, Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
Friday, 20th March, Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Saturday, 21st March, Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Sunday, 22nd March, Lizotte’s Restaurant, Newcastle, NSW
Friday, 27th March, Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich, QLD
Saturday, 28th March, The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday, 29th March, Sol Bar, Maroochydore, QLD
www.katienoonan.com