Committee members (Left to right): Richard Healy, Morag Wilson, Terry O’Connor, Barbara Poole, Michael Nelles, Joy O’Connor, Brendan Williams
The Queensland Irish Choir
The Queensland Irish Choir is a non-auditioned, community choir established in 2014 under the inspired direction of Musical Director David O’Keeffe and Accompanist Tim Li.
We are about 50 in number (though not age).
To be sure, you do not need to be Irish to join us. All we need from you is simply this; a love of music, endless enthusiasm, a ready smile, and a commitment to rehearse regularly and to participate in our concerts.
We normally perform at least 3 concerts per year. As you would expect, we perform mainly Irish melodies but also other Celtic melodies originating from all over the Celtic world.
In turn, we will immerse you in the most glorious Celtic music and in the finest company with 100,000 welcomes! The great Irish poet WB Yeats once said that “Strangers are just friends that you have yet to meet!”
Don’t remain a stranger any longer, join us, your new friends and enjoy the craic!
Meet our hardworking committee members lead by President, Morag Wilson. She is ably assisted by Secretary, Richard Healy and Treasurer, Joy O’Connor. As well as Brendan Williams (Vice President), Terry O’Connor, Barbara Poole, Michael Nelles and Anne Keating
David O’Keeffe
Musical Director
David O’Keeffe, singer, actor, voice teacher, music educator and conductor has directed the Queensland Irish Choir since the amalgamation, in 2014, of the Tara Singers and Celtic Connection choirs with whom he worked from 2010 and 2012 respectively. He has a long association with choirs and choral singing, and was treble chorister at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane.
He is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Voice / Opera / Vocal Pedagogy), the University of Queensland (Music Education) and the Banff Centre for Fine Arts, Canada (Music Theatre). As a soloist and chorister, David has performed professionally in opera and music theatre in Australia, Canada, UK, USA and Singapore.
David is a member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing [ANATS], the Queensland Music Teachers Association [QMTA] and the Kodály Music Educators Institute of Australia [KMEIA].
He tutors and conducts three groups for the Australian Girls Choir, directs two primary school choirs, teaches singing at Siena College, and is active in community theatre as a performer, musical director, and vocal coach. His singing students range in age from 8 to 80 years.
Tim Li
Accompanist
One look at Tim Li, and it is easy to confuse him for an Irishman, especially with a name like Tim.
The Taiwanese-Kiwi-Aussie pianist Tim Li is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Queensland and the Director of UQ Chamber Music Academy. He obtained his Master of Music degree with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato majoring in Piano Performance and Chamber Music, and furthered his studies privately in Hannover, Germany.
Since relocating to Brisbane in 2012, Tim has become a much sought-after collaborative pianist. He spearheads Queensland’s youth chamber music scene, developing a trailblazing chamber music program for school-aged students that have produced a number of nationally notable ensembles.
Tim works at Canterbury College as the Coordinator of Piano and Chamber Music. His association with the Queensland Irish Choir started over a decade ago and can now comfortably sit through a bagpipe performance (with the help of a pint of Guinness).
Morag Wilson
QIC President
Morag Wilson is the welcoming face of the Queensland Irish Choir. “Community choirs bring people who love singing together and rarely involve an audition process.” She enthusiastically proclaims the value and benefits that come with community choir membership.
Traditional musical experience or training is not a prerequisite. A love of singing is the only requirement. “I was never in a school choir. My background was folk and then amateur musical theatre.”
“The choristers of QIC are like a second family to me. We are a very happy and close group. Anyone who wishes to join us would be made most welcome.”
Choir highlights of the past twelve months for her include singing at the 125th Anniversary of the Queensland Irish Association Lunch and the annual St Patrick’s Day concert.
“My hopes for the future are that the choir continues to grow and the songs of Ireland and other Celtic nations be heard and loved for generations to come.”