Christopher Allan

Well known as a soloist with major choral societies such as the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Newcastle University Choir and chamber choir Coro Innominata, Christopher Allan is respected for his interpretation of works ranging from the sixteenth century to the present day.

Recent major performances have included appearances in Bach’s St John and St Matthew Passions, Messiah, Orff’s Carmina Burana and the Requiems by Mozart and Duruflé.

From1994 to 2001 Christopher Allan was guest artist with the Sydney-based vocal ensemble The Song Company, with whom he has performed both Early music and contemporary works in concert, for broadcast and on CD.  With The Song Company he appeared in the world premiere performances of Vincent Plush’s Funereal Rites and Raffaello Marcellino’s Fish Tales.  Additionally as an ensemble singer, he is a member of the professional chamber choirs ACO Voices and Cantillation, both in concert and on recording.

For many years as a member of the Opera Australia Chorus, Christopher Allan has appeared in such operas as Billy Budd, Tannhäuser, The Barber of Seville, Turandot and Don Carlos as well as undertaking understudy work for the company.

In recital he has presented several major cycles including Copland’s American Songs and Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs.  Christopher is a noted interpreter of the vocal works of Nigel Butterley, most recently giving a performance of Butterley’s Blake Songs at Canberra’s National Library  and at Newcastle Conservatorium with the composer as an accompanist.

Christopher Allan is Deputy Head of the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music and Head of the Vocal Department at the University of Newcastle and is presently undertaking PhD studies in vocal pedagogy.