When Philip Rees was eight, two events impacted his life: his first piano and brass lesson and his parents being given a complete recording of Messiah. Since then he can’t recall a time of not wanting to be a musician. Philip has spent his entire working life involved in music education and performance. As the musical director of the Central Coast Philharmonia, he conducted many major works of the choral tradition, including Messiah, Elijah, Chichester Psalms and Sculthorpe Requiem, as well as a number of Australian premiere performances of works by Christopher Tin, (Calling All Dawns) Karl Jenkins, (Joy to the World) and John Rutter (Feel the Spirit).
He moved to the Central west in 2019 and teaches brass and piano at the Orange Regional Conservatorium and is actively involved in music making in the local area.
In 2010 he was awarded an OAM for services to music.
Bringing together three of Australia’s distinctive choral voices for A Choral Kaleidoscope — a collaborative concert that showcases the breadth and variety of choral music performed across New South Wales. The event will feature the Allegri Singers together with the Orange Male Voice Choir and the Australian Rugby Choir, each group bringing its own history, repertoire, and character to the programme.
The Allegri Singers are gearing up for an exciting and ambitious year in 2026, with a program that celebrates both community and artistry. Here’s what’s on the horizon.
2025 is drawing to a close, and it’s been another wonderful year for the Allegri Singers in Oberon, Blackheath, Orange and Bathurst.
Handel’s magnificent masterpiece, ‘Messiah’, is coming to Orange and Bathurst this November, promising audiences an unforgettable musical experience.
Gabe has a particular passion for consort singing, and can be found working with quality Australian ensembles such as the Luminescence Chamber Singers, Cantillation, St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and more.
