Two music enthusiasts from Narrogin, Kay Weaver and Jan Smith, are set to perform their original compositions at the distinguished Hear Her Now festival in Perth. Their work will be featured on October 8, the opening night of the festival, at the Wesley Uniting Church in the city’s central business district. This opportunity arises after their participation in a series of songwriting and performance workshops organized by Arts Narrogin and led by the Mirabilis Collective, an all-female chamber orchestra responsible for the festival. The concert segment they are part of is called “Homegrown,” showcasing talent across various age groups.
From Local Workshops to Festival Stage
The workshops, held in March, brought together women from Narrogin and Wagin, focusing on various aspects of music creation, including songwriting, vocal performance, and ensemble playing. These sessions concluded with two local concerts, providing participants with a platform to share their developing pieces. For Ms. Weaver and Ms. Smith, these workshops proved to be a transformative experience, leading directly to the chance to perform on a larger stage in Perth.
Ms. Weaver expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to perform in the capital city. She highlighted the significant impact the Mirabilis Collective had on her own song, stating it gave her composition a “new lease on life.” Reflecting on the upcoming performance, she remarked, “We are very excited to be going — I’ve never done anything quite this drastic before.” She noted the diverse age range of performers in the “Homegrown” concert, from young musicians to those of her generation, and while not expecting a new career, she anticipates a fulfilling experience performing for friends and family.
Kay Weaver’s Musical Journey
Ms. Weaver’s musical inclinations are rooted in the popular music of the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by artists like Val Doonican and Kamahl, with a particular fondness for ABBA. The song she will present at the festival was initially composed over a decade ago. Describing her piece, she explained, “It’s not a classical piece, it’s a song with a lot of emotion about a time in my life when I was a bit sad.”
The genesis of the song occurred during extensive drives between Narrogin and Northam. While the lyrics remained clear in her memory, the melody proved elusive when she attempted to transcribe it. “I never got it quite right again until the Mirabilis Collective helped with a great accompaniment,” Ms. Weaver stated. She lauded the orchestra’s contribution, calling them “absolutely brilliant” and crediting them with inspiring her to pursue further songwriting. The collaboration provided the missing musical structure, allowing the emotional depth of her lyrics to be fully realized.
Jan Smith: A Talented Collaborator
Ms. Weaver also spoke highly of her friend and fellow performer, Jan Smith, describing her as a significantly more accomplished musician, particularly on the guitar. Both artists are active participants in the Narrogin music community. They are involved with the Silver Threads group, which frequently performs for residents in local aged care facilities, bringing music and joy to the community.
Joking about their audience at the Silver Threads performances, Ms. Weaver quipped, “We realise we are performing for people the same age as us.” However, she quickly followed with a heartfelt sentiment about the unifying power of music: “But isn’t music wonderful, it’s such a joy.” This sentiment underscores the personal and community value they find in their musical pursuits.
About the Hear Her Now Festival
The Hear Her Now festival stands as a significant event in Australia’s cultural landscape, being the nation’s first chamber music festival exclusively featuring works composed by women. The festival aims to highlight the diverse and rich contributions of female composers to the genre. This year’s festival runs from October 8 to October 19, offering a curated program of performances and events celebrating female artistry in classical music.
The involvement of Ms. Weaver and Ms. Smith in the “Homegrown” concert represents a successful outcome of the Arts Narrogin workshops, demonstrating how community-based arts initiatives can foster talent and provide unique performance opportunities. Their journey from local workshops to performing at a state-level festival exemplifies the festival’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing musical talent, particularly that of women, across different stages of their creative lives.
The collaboration with the Mirabilis Collective not only provided technical musical support but also served as a powerful source of encouragement. For Ms. Weaver, the experience has reignited her passion for composing, suggesting that the festival and the preceding workshops have had a lasting impact beyond the immediate performance opportunity. The event promises to be a memorable occasion for the Narrogin artists, their families, and the broader audience attending the Hear Her Now festival.
