About Ballyclare Male Choir

Our Story...

The roots of Ballyclare Male Choir were first set in 1920 with the formation of a male choir, mainly from men returning from the Great War. Often referred to as the Legion or Old Comrades Choir, its first conductor Joseph Howieson was a Scot and an ex-service man. In the early 1930's a Belfast insurance man, Albert McClenaghan, was appointed as Precentor in 2nd Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church and he had a burning ambition to re-form the male choir. One of his church choir members, W J Stewart OBE was the instigator and organiser of what was then to be called Ballyclare and District Male Voice Choir. With Albert as its first conductor and William J Stewart as chairman, an initial twenty four choristers came together in September 1933.

Check back here soon to read more about Our Story - coming soon!

The Music Team:

Acting Conductor: Sheelagh Greer

Sheelagh Greer is a freelance musician and private music tutor. She is well known as a Mezzo Soprano, having been on many concert platforms across NI and UK. She began her musical career at a young age, playing the piano. Sheelagh is the choir's Acting Conductor and also founded and conducts The Clare Chorale, is Concert Musical Director with St Agnes' Choral Society and is a singer with the renowned chamber choir, Cappella Caeciliana. She has been involved with BBC NI as a presenter of her own show and has been adjudicator for BBC School Soloist of the Year. In 2019 Sheelagh was awarded Mighty Woman in Music. Sheelagh has strong ties with the choir - her Dad has been a dedicated member for many years.

Acting Accompanist: Sam Moreland

The Management Committee

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