When Katie met Richard

The convergence of two of Australia’s leading musical talents, Katie Noonan and Richard Tognetti, on one stage, might just prove too much for audiences who will, no doubt, be sitting through the performance with bated breath.

The former George frontwoman and renowned jazz and opera singer, Noonan will be joining the Australian Chamber Orchestra throughout March to perform a repertoire of British compositions throughout the ages.

From Purcell to Radiohead and everything in between, the collaboration of Tognetti’s innovative scoring and Noonan’s indomitable voice is sure to be a highlight for classical and pop music lovers alike.

I can’t remember how Richard and I met, Noonan told SSO, but I’ve been an ACO groupie for about 10 years now.

It was a very collaborative process. Richard chose the instrumental pieces, obviously. But with my repertoire he really just left me to my own devices.

I took a couple of months to do some research. I really wanted to be well versed in British music before I drafted my list.

So I made suggestions, some of which Richard didn’t like, like my idea to do a Kate Bush song, and some of the things Richard suggested I didn’t like.

The chosen repertoire will feature works from classical composers Purcell, Handel and Holst, as well as a contemporary range from the likes of Nick Drake and Radiohead.

Split into two sections, the performance will move chronologically, allowing the audience to take in the amazing breadth of Noonan’s vocal abilities.

It’s a clich?but I really do love doing the entire repertoire, though I suppose if I had to pick a favourite, I love the composition that Richard has created for Riverman by Nick Drake, Noonan said.

But I’ve loved the challenge of getting my classical chops back up to scratch -“ classical music was my first love after all.

Mainly though, I really just love working with the ACO. They have an amazing policy of music before commerce and it’s just great to work with people who are breaking boundaries and bringing exciting repertoires to a wide range of people.

Tognetti and Noonan will perform at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, on 15, 16, 18 and 19 March. Bookings: 8256 2222.