AVÉ Education Resource
Prepared by Margie Moore, OAM, Arts and Education Consultant.
Notation by Dr Cathy Aggett, Northern Beaches Music Studio, Sydney, Australia
Compiled by Alicia Gibbons, General Manager AVÉ
Founded in 2021 by Katie Noonan, AVÉ (Australian Vocal Ensemble) brings Australia's stories and languages to life through song, celebrating the oldest living culture and seamlessly intertwining the contemporary sounds of Australia’s finest living composers. The ensemble features Katie Noonan (soprano), Fiona Campbell (mezzo-soprano), Louis Hurley (tenor), and Andrew O’Connor (bass-baritone) and is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. They create a unique and innovative sound world by acknowledging the origins of a capella chamber music while singing and championing 21st-century Australian vocal works and composers.
With a commitment to commissioning, creating, and collaborating, AVÉ has undertaken cross-art form collaborations with dance and film, and actively engages with communities when touring through workshops. Their programming approach is refreshingly unique, placing contemporary voices at the forefront and reimagining classical works, all delivered with a warm, inclusive, and inviting demeanour.
The AVÉ Ensemble:
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Over the past 20 years, five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan has proven herself one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile and prolific artists. Named one of the greatest Australian singers of all time by the Herald Sun, Katie has produced 28 albums over her career with seven x platinum record sales under her belt and 28 ARIA award nominations that span diverse genres. Katie has performed for royalty, national and international leaders, and blazed a trail for young women artists. Music, for Katie, is a lifelong lesson, a generous act of giving, and a means to change the world.
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Proclaimed “Outstanding” and “Best Mezzo in Australia” by The Australian, this “Diva Extraordinaire” and multi-award winning performer Fiona Campbell is one of Australia’s most versatile and beloved singers. A mother, Producer and ABC Presenter, accomplished international performer, recitalist and recording artist, Fiona has consistently entranced audiences and received wide critical acclaim for her powerful performances and exquisite musicianship. In 2023, Fiona Campbell was appointed Creative Director of the Perth Symphony Orchestra.
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Louis Hurley is a highly sought-after Sydney-based tenor known for his passionate performances in classical music. With a repertoire spanning the Baroque to the 21st century, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. Louis has performed as a soloist with the likes of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, as well as with Pinchgut Opera and Melbourne Opera. He is also celebrated in the ensemble singing sphere, having sung in some of Australia's premier vocal ensembles. Louis is the inaugural recipient of The Humanity Foundation Taryn Fiebig Scholarship.
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Praised for his ‘remarkable musicianship’ (Limelight Magazine) and ‘textured, fine-wine bass baritone’ (Arts Hub) Perth-born Andrew O’Connor is versed in a wide variety of styles and genres – and for more than a decade has developed a busy freelance career encompassing opera, the concert platform, vocal chamber music, and the classroom. He is a Lay Clerk at St Mary’s Cathedral Choir Sydney, was an Associate Artist with Pacific Opera in 2019, and the winner of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Prize in 2020. He appears regularly in both a solo and ensemble context with many of Australia’s finest music organisations.
“…an absolute success, with a fascinating mix of the old and the new, highlighting Australian culture in all its forms.”