THE PERTH MALE VOICE CHOIR ASSOCIATION INCORPORATE

Should you happen to be in the vicinity of the "The Bob Daniel Centre" in Inglewood on most Wednesday evenings, you may just overhear the mellifluous tones of around forty male voices singing items from opera, shows, folk, traditional and spiritual, in the type of four-part harmony one usually associates with Welsh Male Voice Choirs.

Yes. You will have been listening to the Perth Male Voice Choir at its weekly rehearsal under the gentle but exacting coaching of its musical director, Don Gollagher and ably accompanied on the piano by Prue Mews.

The choir has been in existence since 1926. Its first public performance, under the baton of its then director, O G Campbell-Egan, was given at the Fremantle Town Hall. The concert raised funds for the Perth Children’s Hospital; now Princess Margaret Hospital. The choir has raised many thousands of dollars [and pounds!] for good causes over the years.

It is a remarkable and possibly unique fact, that in its first 75 years of existence, the choir had but two musical directors.

“Cam” Egan held the position until his demise in 1960,

The then accompanist, Edgar Nottage took over. Edgar was later to be awarded the O.B.E. for outstanding services to youth and music. Edgar remained in this position until his retirement in 2001. Both “Cam” and Edgar successively held the position of Superintendent of Musical Education with the Education Department.

The choir looks forward to continuing singing in its exacting tradition under its new musical director, Don Gollagher, who accepted this position from the start of 2002.

The choir is ably accompanied by piano accompanist, Prue Mews, who took over from the choir’s accomplished accompanist of many years, John Brearley.

Don comes with a wealth of musical experience and is well known in Perth’s musical circles. He is eminently qualified both in music and drama, specialising in teaching over many years. He is currently employed as a musical specialist with the WA Education Department. In the past he has taught children and adults at such diverse locations as Cunderdin, Armadale, Perth Modern School, Graylands and Mt Lawley Teachers Colleges. He has been conductor of the Perth Philharmonic Choir for, at least half of his lifetime. Don also conducted the Metropolitan Gleemen from 1966 to 1990.

Prue Mews, the choir’s piano accompanist, is a well accomplished and a popular addition to the choir. As a specialist in a difficult area, i.e. that of accompanist, she demonstrates great skill and aplomb.

As can be appreciated, the choir is in excellent hands and hopes to be part of the Perth musical scene for years to come.

New members are certainly welcomed, so if you, dear reader, know of anyone suitable, do point them in the direction of this friendly group.

Conversely, if you would like to use the services of the Perth Male Voice Choir please refer to our "Book the choir page"

The choir is a non-profit and incorporated organization