choir direction
The Theodora Byrne Ensemble
The Theodora Byrne Ensemble is an Irish contemporary mixed-voice choir comprised of a collective of over 50 singers from various musical backgrounds. The Theodora Byrne Ensemble was established as a virtual group in 2020 by Dublin-based session musician and arranger Theodora Byrne, as a response to the stoppage of live singing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since May 2020, the ensemble has performed virtually with acclaimed Irish artists such as Lisa Hannigan, Bell X1, Saint Sister, Ciaran Lavery, and Maria Kelly. In these virtual performances, the music is arranged, coordinated and produced by Theodora in collaboration with the artists, and is recorded remotely by the singers themselves. These individual contributions are then combined using digital technologies to create one seamless performance.
In August 2021, the group made their debut in-person performance with Bell X1’s classic song ‘Bad Skin Day’ on RTE’s 'The Heart of Saturday Night'. The Ensemble was also featured alongside Bell X1 on the Other Voices production 'Other Voices: Home' in the Guinness Storehouse in December 2021.
Since May 2020, the ensemble has performed virtually with acclaimed Irish artists such as Lisa Hannigan, Bell X1, Saint Sister, Ciaran Lavery, and Maria Kelly. In these virtual performances, the music is arranged, coordinated and produced by Theodora in collaboration with the artists, and is recorded remotely by the singers themselves. These individual contributions are then combined using digital technologies to create one seamless performance.
In August 2021, the group made their debut in-person performance with Bell X1’s classic song ‘Bad Skin Day’ on RTE’s 'The Heart of Saturday Night'. The Ensemble was also featured alongside Bell X1 on the Other Voices production 'Other Voices: Home' in the Guinness Storehouse in December 2021.
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Playlist Choir
Theodora is currently musical director of Dublin-based community choir Playlist Choir. Playlist was established in September 2018 as a place for everyone, regardless of choir or singing experience to come together to sing great songs for fun.
While in lockdown, Playlist have come together remotely to record 'virtual choir' videos. Choir members sing their parts from home and the videos are edited together to create a collaborative performance. More of these videos can be found on Theodora's YouTube channel
While in lockdown, Playlist have come together remotely to record 'virtual choir' videos. Choir members sing their parts from home and the videos are edited together to create a collaborative performance. More of these videos can be found on Theodora's YouTube channel
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Other Projects
Theodora has also directed community and corporate choirs for Avolon Aerospace, and Dublin City Council Culture Company, where she creates bespoke musical arrangements based on the interests and capabilities of each choir.
Photo by Komeera Pillay
In November 2018, Theodora was musical director for Innocent Ireland's pop-up 'Brightside Choir', which brought together members of the public with no singing experience for one rehearsal and a once-off performance to brighten commuter's morning in Dublin's Connolly Station. Have a look at the video below to see how we got on!