MEET THE TEAM
CARMEL WHELAN - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Carmel Whelan is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and conductor from North Dublin. She fostered a love of singing as a member of RTÉ’s Cór na nÓg, and went on to study music at DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama - graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Music in Composition.
Carmel is the musical director of The High Hopes Choir, who featured in RTÉ’s IFTA award winning documentary. She also directs a number of other choirs including Discovery Gospel Choir (Ireland’s leading intercultural choir); The National Gallery of Ireland Choir; and Dóchas Women’s Choir in Mountjoy Prison, amongst others.
Carmel has had many exciting performance opportunities to date including The Script - The 3 Arena; Tigran Hamasyan & Arvé Henrikson - The National Concert Hall; RTÉ Concert Orchestra - All Together Now; Centenary - Bord Gáis Theatre; Rock Against Homelessness - The Olympia Theatre; Ossia Youth Choir - Palao de Maricel in Sitges, Spain; The High Hopes Choir - European Parliament, Brussels; as well as numerous performances at Áras an Uachtarán and Electric Picnic.
She has performed alongside critically acclaimed artists including Colm Wilkinson, Celine Byrne, Glen Hansard, Imelda May, John Sheehan, The Hothouse Flowers, Westlife, Phelim Drew, David Keenan, Christy Moore, and the Savannah Philharmonic.
TV appearances include The Late Late Show; The Ray D’Arcy Show; Claire Byrne Live; Ireland AM - TV3; RTÉ Sunday Service; and The High Hopes Choir - Tyrone Productions. Recording credits include Homeward Bound – Street Lights; We All Fall Down – Glen Baker; Fairytale Of New York – Christy Moore & High Hopes Choir.
An award-winning composer in her own right, Rejoice’s signature sound is shaped by Carmel’s unique vocal arrangements. Her knowledge of and passion for gospel music is the driving force behind the choir.
BRYAN MULLEN - ACCOMPANIST
Bryan Mullen is one of Ireland’s leading jazz pianists. He studied music in Newpark Music Centre, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance.
A savant of Jazz, Funk, Blues and Gospel, Bryan’s signature keys playing plays a vital role in creating Rejoice’s authentic gospel sound.
In addition to his work as an accompanist, Bryan is also an experiences musical director who has worked with a number of musical theatre productions, choirs, and bands.
Bryan has performed in many notable venues both at home and abroad including the National Concert Hall, Olympia theatre, and the European Parliament. Most recently he has completed a tour of the USA with Celtic Angels (CMI Entertainment).
Bryan has acted as Musical Director for Fatale Events (RDS & RHK); The Promise Musical Drama (Fingal County Council); Funny Girl (Kilmacud Musical Society); RENT (Liberty Theatre); as Assistant Musical Director for the Olympia Pantomime (Spotlight, Pat Egan Management); Spring Awakening (Delaney Musical & Dramatic Society); and as pianist on Legally Blonde: The Musical (Oyster Lane Musical Society & Leixlip Musical Society).
He also has experience working with a number of choirs including The High Hopes Choir, An Cór Choir, Ossia Youth Choir, Ború, and The Choir of Ages.
Bryan has performed with many notable artists including Russell Watson, Linda Martin and Tony Christie. He also works regularly as a ballet accompanist and has played for Irish National Youth Ballet, Irish Modern Dance Theatre, and Royal Academy of Dance Ireland.