A Tradition of Excellence
Brisbane Concert Choir
Director of Music Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié
At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Brisbane Concert Choir is an auditioned SATB chorus of 7o volunteer singers performing a varied and challenging repertoire focussed on classical music. A registered not-for-profit incorporation, the choir each year stages concerts ranging from entirely a cappella performances, to major classical works with professional orchestral ensembles and soloists, and four-part carolling leading into Christmas.
Based in the heart of Brisbane where it was formed in 1996, the choir has a tradition of excellence as its core goal, and retains the services of a professional Director of Music and professional accompanist. Its performances include collaborations in Brisbane's Concert Hall at QPAC, delivering Symphony for our World live before an audience of 2000 for National Geographic, recording music for Queensland Theatre shows and embarking on international tours to famous music venues in major cities across Europe and Canada. read more
Director of Music Debra Shearer-Dirié
Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié enjoys the adventure and global embrace of a career dedicated to music. She thrives on the creative discovery that flows from collaborative musical opportunities, whether working with combinations of choirs or with other composers, dancers, visual artists and cultural groups: the challenge often as rewarding as the music.
Originally from Perth in Western Australia but now based in Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, Debra’s career has taken her from Hungary and through western Europe to north America. She attended Indiana University in the United States where she obtained a Master of Music Education degree and a Doctorate of Music degree in Choral Conducting. read more
Accompanist John Woods
John Woods’ career in music and the arts began in the cold of the northern hemisphere, journeyed across the globe via balmy Asia and down-under into sunny Australia by the early 1990s. A decade later John took up residency in Australia.
He was born in Stirling in Scotland where he entered the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, studying piano and bassoon. This led to scholarships awarded by The Scottish Arts Council and Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust, to specialise in piano accompaniment at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. John later worked as a guest repetiteur at the Royal Northern College of Music before arriving in the Far East for similar work at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. read more
