On the traditional lands of the Dharug people, The Parramatta Riverside Theatre played host to a celestial journey through the works of Australia’s brightest female songwriters and singers. Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp’s “Southern Skies Volume 2” reimagines the timelessness of Australian music including industry royalty such as Aunty Ruby Hunter, Kate Ceberano, Missy Higgins, and Sia.

Amidst the pulsing, frenetic energy of Parramatta’s Eats.Beats.Art Festival, Noonan and Schaupp’s performance provided a serene oasis, a pocket of tranquillity in a world that seems to never stop. The crowd, a mix of ages and backgrounds, was visibly captivated by their heartfelt interpretations and innovative arrangements. These carefully curated selections showcased the enduring appeal, depth and diversity of Aussie music, reaching as far back as the 70’s. It was an intimate experience showcasing the talent of two extraordinary artists.

Noonan’s ethereal vocals, paired with Schaupp’s masterful guitar work, breathed new life into iconic and some lesser known gems. Their performance was a stunning tribute to the extraordinary talent of Australian female singer-songwriters, culminating in a meditative and memorable evening.

With less-is-more magic, they paid homage to the original songwriters and singers. This stripped-back approach highlighted the strength of the songwriting itself, revealing unexpected soul in familiar tracks. Who would have thought that Olivia Newton-John’s “Xanadu” or Kylie Minogue carried such spiritual messages and connections?

Noonan’s voice is truly something special. Her incredible range effortlessly bridges the spectrum of human experience. She wields a unique ability to transform a song, cradling the soft moments while reverently holding space for the lyrics, before ascending to operatic heights. Every note is infused with a sage sense of love and authenticity as we witness the music flow through her. Her respect for her craft and why she does it is inspiring and evident in every note.

Noonan is also a natural storyteller. She is so warm, inviting and humorous, introducing each song and their creators with quips, memories or anecdotes – like she’s welcoming you into her living room.

Classical guitarist Karin Schaupp, an internationally sought-after recitalist and soloist, is the perfect musical foil for Noonan. Her technical brilliance and intuitive playing style provided subtle support, intricate harmonies, and emotional depth. A new found appreciation for this instrument and its artists was discovered.

While this performance was a minimalist masterpiece, featuring only Noonan’s vocals, Schaupp’s intricate guitar work, and some sparse percussion, the album itself features guest singers. Make sure you check out Kate Ceberano’s fabulous new version of “Brave” that reveals the raw power of her incredible ability and emotional expressiveness. ‘I Thought You Were God’ with the brilliant Clare Bowditch is a lesson in harmonising and the magic that happens when two great voices come together.

Noonan and Schaupp are a dual talent that sustain, fiercely advocate for, and shape the Aussie music industry scene. There’s a reason these ARIA-winning powerhouses are celebrated. Deceptively simple but deeply profound, “Southern Skies Volume 2” is music that calms the heart, ignites the imagination, and offers enlightenment.

A soundtrack for creative expression or quiet contemplation, Noonan and Schupps are a symbiotic testament to the universal beauty of words and music and the way they can move and inspire.

Don’t just listen to it, experience it.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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