Cabaret Artist to Premiere Show at Festival of Voices

Cabaret artist Catherine Alcorn will debut her newest show FNL: Alive & Unlocked! at Tasmania’s Festival of Voices this winter, as organisers today revealed the second round of acts performing at this year’s event.

Joined by comedian Bob Downe and Australian drag performer Verushka Darling, the variety show will be staged at C3 Auditorium in South Hobart from 2 July.

Festival Marketing Manager, Jen Murnaghan, said the Australian premiere of this headliner was a major drawcard to the festival.

“Catherine Alcorn is one of Australia’s most in-demand entertainers, renowned for her powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp wit,” Murnaghan said.

“Her newest show, FNL: Alive & Unlocked!, will feature performances from a variety of acts, from contemporary music, cabaret, sketch comedy and drag.

“Tasmania’s own cabaret sensation, the Moonlight Aviators, will also appear at this year’s festival, delighting audiences with an immersive evening of vintage cabaret, beguiling guest vocalists and an incredible band of talented Tasmanian musicians.”

Murnaghan said the festival would also provide opportunities for audiences to get involved this year, highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits of social connection and group singing.

“Verushka Darling will be hosting a fabulous new event this year called Gay Time Gossip – Brunch with your Besties. This is an opportunity to get dressed up, drink a mimosa or two and delight in some outrageous stories, glittery performances and a tasty brunch,” she said.

“Similarly, our One Hit Wonder experience with community choir leader, Jacqueline Larsen, will give audiences the chance to get together with friends and family and participate in a relaxed, non-competitive choir experience, where they will learn to sing in harmony, all while spending quality time together and enjoying a tasty beverage.

“Jacqueline will test the waters with a group singalong before teaching a classic one-hit-wonder song in three-part harmony, in what will no doubt be a memorable experience for all involved.”

The festival has also announced another choral performer joining the event this year.

“In the choral space, we have one of the most interesting and courageous compositions being performed by the renowned Australian Voices Choir and the Hobart Chamber Orchestra,” Murnaghan said.

“Requiem Recomposed is a presentation of Mozart’s Requiem reimagined by distinguished contemporary Australian composer and conductor, Gordon Hamilton. Both playful and dramatic, this take on Mozart’s final composition before his death will not disappoint.”

The second program announcement comes after several initial acts were revealed last week including Sydney rock-duo, Polish Club, cabaret icons John O’Hara, Baby et Lulu, Libby O’Donovan and Amelia Ryan as well as Choral Composer extraordinaire, Don Kay AM.

Tickets for the newly announced shows go on sale Friday 23 April at 9am AEST at www.festivalofvoices.com.

 The second line-up of artists announced are as follows: