Live Review: Katie Noonan & The Australian String Quartet

Five-time ARIA award winner and renowned vocalist Katie Noonan graced the stage of the State Theatre Centre Of Western Australia with her latest album and musical project, The Glad Tomorrow. The album sees First Nations icon Oodgeroo Noonuccal’s poetry, set to music written by ten Australian contemporary composers and performed by the Australian String Quartet (ASQ)

Joining Noonan and the ASQ on stage was a special guest, Noonuccal’s great-granddaughter, Kaleenah Edwards. Edwards delivered a transcendent recitation of her great-grandmother’s words in the Jandai language before Noonan gave an ethereal vocal performance of each poem translated by Noonuccal’s grandson and Edwards’ uncle, Joshua Walker. Dale Barltrop (violin), Francesca Hiew (violin), Stephen King (viola) and Sharon Grigoryan (cello), the members who make up the ASQ, played music written around Noonuccal’s poetry by Australian composers, including Iain Grandage, Artistic Director of Perth Festival, and Noonan herself.

You could have heard a pin drop as a wave of silence spread across the crowd witnessing a combination of undeniable musicality and impeccable storytelling. Each composition perfectly encapsulated the words of Noonuccal’s poems laden with overwhelming themes of pain, heartache, but also hope.

Noonan’s undeniable vocal prowess and musicality are indisputable, and were evident in songs like Son Of Mine, written by Richard Tognetti, which showcased her vocal range, control and intonation. Other highlights included Grandage’s composition, Song, No More Boomerang, with music written by David Hirschfelder, and A Song Of Hope, by Noonan. A touching moment came with the encore as the lights were turned down and the performers' faces were slightly illuminated as they performed a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Maranoa Lullaby.

The Glad Tomorrow is a celebration of Queensland, Australian and First Nations talent; a breathtakingly beautiful and brilliant live performance, executed to perfection. Noonan and the ASQ promised spine-tingling performances and truly delivered – exceeded expectation, in fact. Meaningful and thought-provoking, her latest album and project not only provide further proof she is one of Australia’s creative talents and performers, but also that the country is lucky to be home to so much world-class musical talent and artistry.