Australia has birthed countless tribute shows. Paying homage to acts ranging from Metallica to Barry Manilow, they are an established part of the live music ecology.

On the cabaret circuit, we’re treated to any number of uncanny “channellings” of the great voices of the last century of song: Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Billy Holiday and Kate Bush.

But when Ursula Yovich steps onto the Sydney Festival stage armed with songs written and sung by Nina Simone, she won’t be impersonating The High Priest of Soul or giving us her “take”.

Yovich approaches Simone not as a mimic but as an artist in a dialogue – a conversation across decades, cultures and continents.

“Simone’s voice is so incredibly unique. I don’t want to do a tribute act,” Yovich explains. “This is me telling her story and mine. I see it as a conversation between two artists across time – big and little conversations and things that align with where I am in my life and where she was at different times in her life.”

“I don’t want to do a tribute act”: Ursula Yovich. Photo © Rick Clifford

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