Karen JacobSen

Student Preview Performance - Friday 28 April 2023, 10.30am Q&A Session (Women in Leadership) - Friday 28 April 2023, 11.30am

“I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not.” – Julia Gillard

10 years have passed since the iconic speech by the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and as predicted by those attending parliament that day, history was made. Julia Gillard’s justifiable anger at the shocking misogyny she had experienced during her leadership, exploded into a speech which has survived the test of time.

Misogyny Opus, Not Now Not Ever celebrates the speech that sparked a conversation. This pop orchestral work is proudly composed by international songwriter Karen Jacobsen and accompanied by musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Word for word, hear Julia Gillard’s historic speech accompanied by the powerhouse of these incredibly talented musicians, this April, live at the MECC.

“What a powerful and EPIC piece. Needs to be shared far and wide. Thank you for raising your voice in such a creative way” - The Speakers’ Director

“This project will transform the culture of prejudice against women in Australia and on a global scale” - Founding Director of Broken to Brilliant, Kate Crowley-Smith

Ages: 13+

“I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not.” – Julia Gillard

10 years have passed since the iconic speech by the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and as predicted by those attending parliament that day, history was made. Julia Gillard’s justifiable anger at the shocking misogyny she had experienced during her leadership, exploded into a speech which has survived the test of time.

Misogyny Opus, Not Now Not Ever celebrates the speech that sparked a conversation. This pop orchestral work is proudly composed by international songwriter Karen Jacobsen and accompanied by musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Word for word, hear Julia Gillard’s historic speech accompanied by the powerhouse of these incredibly talented musicians, this April, live at the MECC.

“What a powerful and EPIC piece. Needs to be shared far and wide. Thank you for raising your voice in such a creative way” - The Speakers’ Director

“This project will transform the culture of prejudice against women in Australia and on a global scale” - Founding Director of Broken to Brilliant, Kate Crowley-Smith

Age Suitability: 13+

We hope you have set your destination for QPAC Concert Hall on Sunday 27 August, because we are thrilled to announce that the voice behind Australian Siri Karen Jacobsen - The GPS Girl will be our special guest in 2023. An award-winning singer and songwriter, Karen recently launched her Misogyny Opus album, a pop-orchestral work of Julia Gillard's misogyny speech. If you haven't already heard the single Better Standard Than This, watch the music video and please share it far and wide: https://karenjacobsen.com/video A massive thanks to McNab Group, one of the largest privately owned construction and development groups in Queensland, for making it possible for Karen to join us this year.

Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Emerging Songwriter Workshop