Katie Noonan appointed as Artist Director

7 Feb 2016

Queensland Music Festival (QMF) and The Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk today 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,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“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.”

Read the full media release. 

Feature image courtesty Queensland Music Festival, photo by Cybele Malinowski