Vic Welsh's Music Team - Tîm Miwsig Vic Welsh 

Most of Victoria Welsh Choir's success can be attributed to our music team.  In contrast to many of our brother choirs in Wales, since 1988 our music team has been entirely female.  Here are its present members:

Musical Director: Faleiry Koczkar

Faleiry (née Phillips) was born in Cardiganshire, Wales. Welsh was her first language and she did not speak English until she was 6 years of age. Faleiry played the harp in the Welsh National Youth Orchestra and attained a Bachelor of Music degree with honours at Nottingham University, an Associate Diploma for harp performance from the Royal College of Music in London and a Diploma of Education from the University of New England, Armidale, NSW.  Faleiry has been a music teacher and director in London, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. She was Director of Music at Melbourne Girls' Grammar School from 1981 to 1994. Since her appointment to Victoria Welsh Choir in 1994 Faleiry has been a huge asset to the choir and through her experience, knowledge and teaching skills, Vic Welsh's ability to sing as a Welsh choir has been greatly enhanced. 

Accompanist: Lorna Ogilvie

Lorna was born in South Africa, where she completed her secondary education. She subsequently graduated from Melbourne University with a double major in Music Performance (Piano) and History.  She also has a Dip.Ed. from Monash University.  Lorna works in schools and privately as an instrumental teacher (piano, theory and music craft), VCE Music teacher (in particular Aural, Theory and Solo Performance) and as accompanist (in schools and freelance) for choirs and soloists.  Lorna joined Vic Welsh in 1998 and toured overseas with us in 1999 and 2004. 

Photo: Tony Davies

Bendigo Accompanist and Organist: Elizabeth Paton

Elizabeth began learning the organ at her local church at age 16 after 8 years of studying the piano. She spent 4 years studying the organ in Melbourne and is now relief organist at several churches throughout Bendigo. She spent 13 years as accompanist to the Bendigo Youth Choir, and also occasionally plays for Bendigo Chamber Choir & Bendigo Chorale. Elizabeth joined Vic Welsh in 2002.

Photo: Graeme Sargeant