The Executive

Festival Patron
Dr Peter Sculthorpe, MBE, OBE, OA

'I feel honoured to be Patron of the National Choral Festival for Seniors and certainly I look forward to being present at it. I am 76 years old and still composing full-time, just as people of my age and more still sing in choirs'.

(In 1998 Dr Sculthorpe was elected by popular vote as one of Australia’s100 Living National Treasures).

Artistic Director
Dr Terrence Hays, Associate Professor, Faculty of The Professions,
University of New England

‘This Festival is especially conceived for older Australians. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to be actively involved in music making at a high level. Music is not only about emotions and life experience, it is about connection with others, personal identity and sharing the joys of life. I am sure you will enjoy the challenge and rewards of singing in this Festival and the meeting of new friends’.

Resident Conductor 2010
Christopher Allan, Senior Lecturer in Voice, University of Newcastle

Many of you will remember him from the 2006 Festival. He is well known as a conductor and as a baritone soloist with many choral institutions such as Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Newcastle University Choir, Willoughby Choir and Coro Innominata. He has appeared as guest artist with The Song Company for many years in concert and appeared with Opera Australia. He has also held the post of Artistic and Musical Director of the Newcastle University Choir from 1999-2004 and directed performances of major works of the choral literature including the JS Bach Magnificat, John Rutterís Magnificat, Vittoria's Requiem and Haydn's Mass in Time of War. From 2004 he has directed the University of Newcastle Conservatorium Choir. Chris also sings and performs regularly with the Sydney based professional chorus Cantillation.

Musical Director 2010
Wendy Huddleston, Accompanist

Wendy Huddleston has had a distinguished career as a music educator for over 40 years.  A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium and Sydney Teachers College she served as a music teacher and Head Teacher in secondary schools, much of which was at Armidale High School.  Wendy has an A.Mus A and an L.Mus in Piano and has also studied Singing and Violin.  Wendy’s dedication has been recognised with a number of awards for outstanding teaching and commitment to music education, including the Barbara Mettam Award from the Australian Society for Music Education.  Her school also received several awards for outstanding achievement in Music and the Creative Arts.  Wendy also lectured at the Armidale Teachers College and the University of New England.

Wendy has always been a fervent contributor to musical activities in her local community, and has on many occasions conducted the Armidale Symphony Orchestra, the Armidale Youth Orchestra and the Armidale Choral Society.  Currently Wendy is the Musical Director of Fiori Musicali, a chamber choir.  She is also the repetiteur for the annual Armidale Music Foundation Choral Weekend.  As well, she has conducted massed choir and orchestra items at the Sydney Opera House on many occasions.  Wendy is a Music Educator Member of the New England Conservatorium and has recently been made a Life Member of that institution.  Wendy  is highly sought after as an accompanist and conductor.  When time permits she also adjudicates at a number of Eisteddfods in NSW and Queensland.

Professor Colleen Cartwright is Foundation Professor of Aged Services and Director of the Aged Services Learning and Research Centre at Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour.  She has extensive teaching and research experience in ageing issues for both frail and well older people, at national and international levels and has published widely, with articles in major journals and a number of book chapters.

Prof Cartwright’s work encompasses ageing issues in areas as diverse as healthy ageing, challenges of an ageing population, affordable housing for older people, older workers and end-of-life issues. She developed the Qld “60 and Better” program, which assists older people to stay fit and healthy by participating in a range of community activities.