Old Flinderian Pauline Maudy (Class of 1999) is a French-born, award-winning singer who channels the greats in French and English, transporting audiences from Parisian alleyways to New York jazz bars in a heartbeat.
Pauline is looking forward to sharing her music with the Sunshine Coast through a string of shows across the region from 14-28 June.
To book tickets to ‘Take Me to Paris’, visit here.
We asked Pauline to share with our College community what she’s been up to since her Flinders school days and some lessons learned along the way.
What does life look like for you now?
I am based in Queensland but travel a lot, performing music and shows that I write. My music has taken me around Australia a few times over and to Europe. Being a musician is not an easy road but I am grateful for all the amazing moments of human connection it brings me and the support of my peers. I also like mentoring other artists and do a fair bit of management in the cultural sector.
What was your favourite Flinders moment?
I migrated to Australia from France when I was 13 and landed at Matthew Flinders. Being at a Year 8 camp out in nature was something completely new to me as we didn’t have school camps at my school in France and I grew up in a big city…Paris. The highlight, however, was having my best friend from France along for the ride and getting to know a few new people who are still my friends now.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Flinders or now?
Anyone who has carved their own path! I am a particularly big fan of the Thompson sisters who always seem to be onto the next creative adventure (across cooking, fashion, design and more) and it was great meeting up with David Williams on stage to perform together a couple of years back. Dave is the Executive Director of Gilimbaa and a great musician and artist. (Learn more about David's reconciliation artwork and animation commissions with Flinders)
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
On one hand it was hard because I have always been curious about so many jobs and pathways! But on the other hand, I always sang, wrote songs and enjoyed playing music with others and before I knew it, it had been 20 years of doing so.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you planned?
I really didn’t have a plan. I threw myself at any opportunity to try things and learned skills I needed, informally and formally, along the way. I studied theatre studies (directing), but music quickly took over my life. Then I realised I needed to develop my business skills to run my own business and so I enrolled in postgraduate studies. Every job I have had has contributed to where I am and what I know, even the ones I didn’t think ever would!
What advice do you have for current students?
Be compassionate always and look for ways to lift each other up.
To read more of profiles with Old Flinderians, visit here.
