Emma Pritchard

The beautiful music made famous by Grammy award winning artists will be brought to life on stage at the Saraton Theatre in Grafton next month when the incredible vocal and instrumental collaboration of Melissa Buchholz and Meg Kiddle return to the Clarence Valley with their upcoming concert Queens of Song: And the Grammy Goes to…

Celebrating the universally acclaimed lyrics by noted artists including The Carpenters, the Mamas and the Papas, Carole King, the Beatles, Billy Joel, Adele, and Charlie Puth with a local audience, Ms Buchholz, an accomplish pianist and music teacher, and Ms Kiddle, a talented soprano and singing teacher, told the Clarence Valley Independent they are looking forward to returning to their hometown and performing once again at the iconic venue.

Joining them on the stage will be special guests Julee-anne Bell, who wowed Australia with her stunning vocal ability on a previous season of reality singing competition The Voice in 2021, Clarence Valley back-up singers Simone Smith and Melissa Christie, and saxophonists Harry Apalais, Sam Lawrence, Hamish Lunn, Nicholas Apalais, and George Paton, who are all former and current students of Ms Buchholz.

After delighting crowds with Queens of Song last year, Ms Buchholz and Ms Kiddle are excited to continue their partnership on the stage in 2025.

“We’re really proud of what we have put together,” said Ms Buchholz, who commenced her musical career at St Cecilia’s, now known as the Clarence Valley Conservatorium.

“And to have the opportunity to come back to Grafton and perform at the Saraton Theatre, it’s going to be very special.

“We’re both looking forward to welcoming a large audience once again, and there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Ms Buchholz and Ms Kiddle will also perform a medley as a tribute to esteemed American singer Maureen McGovern who rose to fame for her work on soundtracks for films including The Towering Inferno and The Poseidon Adventure.

“To be able to come back to Grafton with Melissa and perform in front of our friends and family, words can’t describe how much I’m looking forward to it,” said Ms Kiddle.

“It’s going to be quite nostalgic.

“We want people in the audience to say ‘oh, I remember when I first heard this song’, and evoke all those wonderful memories when this music was first released, and that’s what Queens of Song is all about, sharing our love of music, the music we grew up listening to.”

Queens of Song: And the Grammy Goes to… will be performed at the Saraton Theatre in Grafton on Sunday, April 6, at 2pm.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.saraton.com