Australian Vocal Ensemble

Winton Song Cycle Tour 2026

Presenter Opportunity 2026

In 2026, the Australian Vocal Ensemble (AVÉ) will unveil an adventurous new song cycle celebrating the words of Tim Winton AO. The ensemble is seeking opportunities to premiere this performance nationally after a Perth premiere in 2025, presenting a suite of commissioned works that capture the vastness of Australia’s landscapes and the subtleties of modern life. Audiences can expect a fusion of classical traditions and contemporary sensibilities, fuelled by AVÉ’s crossover appeal and commitment to redefining the sound of a 21st-century Australia.

The program features compositions by Lydia Gardiner, Emma Jayakumar, Ruben Davies, Lachlan Skipworth, and Aaron Wyatt. Each piece draws on Winton’s storytelling to evoke the raw edges and quiet grace of contemporary Australian life through vocal music. Three of AVÉ’s four core members, Fiona Campbell OAM, Louis Hurley, and Andrew O’Connor, are closely tied to Western Australia, adding a powerful sense of place to this new body of work.

About AVÉ

Founded in 2021 by Dr 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.

In just over three years, AVÉ have commissioned 61 new works — including 52 original compositions, six arrangements, and six translations into First Nations languages. This represents one of the most substantial contributions to the Australian vocal chamber music repertoire in recent years.

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.

  • Katie Noonan

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, SOPRANO

    Five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan has proven herself one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile, and prolific artists. She founded AVÉ in 2021 with a bold vision to shape a uniquely Australian sound world.

  • Fiona Campbell OAM

    MEZZO SOPRANO

    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. Fiona is currently the Creative Director of Perth Symphony Orchestra.

  • Louis Hurley

    TENOR

    With a repertoire spanning the Baroque to the 21st century, Louis has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He was the inaugural recipient of The Humanity Foundation Taryn Fiebig Scholarship.

  • Andrew O'Connor

    BASS-BARITONE

    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.

Available for touring
April 14- May 10, 2026

  • $10,000 ex GST

  • To discuss co-presenting options, please add a note in the form.

  • Microphones: AVÉ travels with two RØDE NT2 microphones. Please provide two stable microphone stands.

    Monitors: Onstage foldback monitors may be necessary, subject to the venue’s acoustic conditions.

    Music Stands: Four music stands with solid backs.

    Lighting: A general stage wash with optional colour transitions is adequate; no specialised lighting design is needed. Venue operated.