Katie Noonan to lead Queensland Music Festival

New Queensland Music Festival Artistic Director and Griffith graduate Katie Noonan. Photo by Cybele Malinowski.

Four-time ARIA Award-winning and seven-time platinum selling songstress Katie Noonan has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival (QMF).

The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University graduate takes the helm from acclaimed jazz musician James Morrison, to become the youngest ever Artistic Director and the first Queensland woman in the role.

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,” Ms Noonan said.

“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!”

According to QCGU Director Professor Scott Harrison, it’s a fantastic opportunity for the singer-songwriter, and one that he believes she is ideally suited for.

“Katie will bring an exciting and unique approach to the Festival, one that aligns with her exceptional talent, performance insight and experience as a musician herself,” he says.

“Her versatility as an artist encompasses opera, jazz, pop, rock and dance and will be a wonderful foundation for engaging more and more young Queenslanders in this biennial celebration of music.

“It’s also a great coup for Queensland Conservatorium to see one of our acclaimed graduates continuing to make their mark in the world.”

QCGU staff, students and alumni have performed in every Queensland Music Festival since its inception in 1991.

Ms Noonan’s four-year appointment commences immediately, after being announced by the Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk this week.

The next QMF will take place in 2017.