Jenny Gaunt, Renee Pettit-Schipp and Ashley Schipp.
Camera IconJenny Gaunt, Renee Pettit-Schipp and Ashley Schipp. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Casuarina musicians adapting words of award-winning poet for Denmark gig

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

AWARD-winning poet Renee Pettitt-Schipp and musicians/educators Jenny Gaunt and Ashley Schipp are teaming up for a performance at the Denmark Festival of Voice.

A Casuarina resident, Jenny is the music teacher at Success Primary School. She has been working with Renee’s poems to turn her tales of living and working on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands into songs.

Jenny will perform some of these with Ashley Schipp at a show The Sky Runs Right Through Us, also the title of Renee’s recently launched book.

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“Having musicians turn my poetry into music is a gift,” Renee said.

“Witnessing someone of Jenny Gaunt’s calibre deeply engaging with my work has been fascinating, surprising and really moving.

“Music not only brings my poetry to a larger audience, but takes my words to another level.

“As an artist I have felt really enriched by the process and I believe by sharing our journey with the audience, they will come away enriched also.”

Two of these songs are being recorded by Jenny ready for release later this year. She will also perform her own works at a solo show as part of the festival.

“Although I normally write my own song lyrics, it’s an expanding experience to work with the powerful words of another,” Jenny said.

“Working with Renee’s poems has been a window into her perspective on the world and very rewarding.

“I am looking forward to sharing these songs at an intimate show in one of the most beautiful spots in the South-West.”

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