Melinda Schneider Takes On Streisand in New Album
Following the acclaimed release of her original album ‘Tender’ earlier this year, which debuted at No.1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart, the incomparable Australian singer-songwriter Melinda Schneider is delighted to announce her second album for 2026: The Way We Were – Melinda Schneider Sings the Songs of Barbra Streisand. The album will compliment the national tour that’s playing around the country in August.
Recorded, arranged and co-produced by Melinda’s long-time musical director, Stefan Nowak, the album is a heartfelt homage to one of the most celebrated recording artists of the 20th century and beyond. Featuring stunning arrangements and a world-class, Australian 10-piece band, the collection honours the timeless songs that have made Barbra Streisand a global music icon.
These songs also form the heart of Melinda’s forthcoming concert tour, The Way We Were, which also celebrates Barbra Streisand’s iconic songbook, delivered by a stellar live band, rich vocal harmonies and a string ensemble.
The nine-track album showcases many of Streisand’s most beloved classics, including The Way We Were, People, Don’t Rain on My Parade, Evergreen, Woman In Love and more, reimagined with Melinda’s unmistakable vocal sound.
“This has truly been a labour of love, and I’m incredibly proud of the finished album,” says Melinda. “When I say labour, I really mean it! These songs are extraordinary, and recording them has given me an even deeper appreciation and respect for Barbra’s remarkable artistry. They are certainly not easy songs to sing.”
“The arrangements by my talented musical director and co-producer, Stefan Nowak, are just sublime.”
The project is also deeply personal for Melinda, who credits her mother, legendary recording artist and performer Mary Schneider, for introducing her to Barbra Streisand’s music from an early age.
“This album is dedicated to my mum, Mary Schneider, who introduced me to Barbra when I was just three years old. I still remember falling asleep backstage under Mum’s fur coat while she performed The Way We Were during her shows. Before long she’d taught me the chords on the ukulele. They certainly weren’t easy chords for my tiny fingers, but I learnt them and would perform the song for mum’s musician friends.”
“I remember becoming emotional every time I sang it. Even as a little girl, I felt the depth of those melodies, harmonies and lyrics. Looking back, I think that’s where my love of heartfelt songs began, and ultimately why I became a songwriter. Thank you, Mum, for introducing me to music with such depth, beauty and emotion. It has stayed with me my entire life.”
The Way We Were is released on Friday, 7th August 2026
Listen to tracks The Way We Were and People here
THE WAY WE WERE – TOUR DATES 2026:
Friday 7th August
Hamer Hall, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 8th August
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide SA
Friday 14th August
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong NSW
Thursday 20th August
The Events Centre, Caloundra QLD
Friday 21st August
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane QLD
Saturday 22nd August
Twin Towns, Tweed Heads NSW
Thursday 27th August
Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW
Sunday 30th August
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney NSW
General Public on-sale:
Monday 17th November 9.00am local time
Tickets available here
ABOUT MELINDA SCHNEIDER:
With a career that began at the age of just three, Melinda Schneider has become one of Australia’s most beloved and enduring musical icons. A multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, captivating live performer and natural storyteller, Melinda has been a powerful presence in Australian entertainment for over 40 years.
Best known as one of the country’s most accomplished country artists, the ARIA-nominated and six-time Golden Guitar Award winning singer-songwriter has seen her songs recorded by John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John and Paul Kelly.
Melinda’s theatrical concert productions have a track record that speaks volumes. Her tribute to Doris Day, launched in 2011, began with an ARIA chart-topping album and evolved into a national tour, that toured for over a decade — playing to sold-out audiences at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, and multiple encore performances at the Sydney Opera House. More recently, her acclaimed productions A Kind of Hush: The Magic of Karen Carpenter (2024), Both Sides Now – Celebrating the Songs of Joni Mitchell (2022), Young at Heart (2016), and Hear Me Roar (2018) continued her tradition of combining iconic musical storytelling with commercial and critical success with sold-out performances in concert halls and theatres nationwide
