The Glasgow Phoenix Choir is delighted to be performing a concert in Paisley Abbey in aid of ACCORD Hospice. The Glasgow Phoenix Choir rose out of the ashes of the world-famous Glasgow Orpheus Choir and this year celebrates 122 years of choral excellence – 72 years as the Glasgow Phoenix Choir and 50 years as the Glasgow Orpheus Choir. The choir is directed by our conductor, Cameron Murdoch. Cameron joined us in 1987 as Accompanist and Depute Conductor and is an Honours graduate in music from the University of Glasgow who also studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He regularly plays harpsichord and piano with various musical ensembles and performs throughout the British Isles. Cameron is also Organist and Choir Master of St. John’s Renfield Church in Glasgow’s West End. Many of the pieces in the current Phoenix repertoire were arranged by Cameron. The Glasgow Phoenix Choir performs over 20 concerts per year the majority of which raise money for charity and each involves a range of music from choral standards to new music and, in addition, we feature many delightful solo performances by choir members. Choir recordings receive regular play on local and national radio stations. Our most recent CD was recorded in Govan Old and is a special postcard CD celebrating in song the Govan Stones, the River Clyde and the Iona Community. It was recorded in association with the Vivian Angus Bequest and supported by Clachan Hydro Scheme, Kintyre and includes a range of inspirational music. Two new CDs are planned for release in 2023.
Our accompanist in this concert will be Matthew McIlree. Matthew is a current regular accompanist with the choir and a very talented musician. He recently graduated from the University of St. Andrews, where he completed both piano and organ scholarships alongside a degree in mathematics and computer science. Matthew is now studying for his PhD in Computer Science at the University of Glasgow, alongside working freelance as a wedding musician and accompanist.
ACCORD Hospice provides palliative and end of life care to people living with or affected by a life limiting illness in Renfrewshire and parts of East Renfrewshire. A compassionate approach supports patients and their families in the community, at home, and in the hospice. All of the care provided is free. Listening and reacting to the needs of our patients, their families and other healthcare professionals, ACCORD Hospice has grown and developed since its inception in 1982. None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of individuals, local groups and businesses. Their trust in ACCORD is never taken for granted and is greatly valued.
