Brendan O’Mahony
Composer and Musician
What is your musical background?
I was born and raised in Sydney and my musical interests span across many genres. My love for choral music started as a boy chorister at St Mary’s Cathedral which then led me to study classical voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I have always been a keen accompanist and was lucky enough to help start the Sydney arm of the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s choir. Through Gondwana, I had the opportunity to travel to the Torres Strait Islands to run singing workshops with the local children and was taught some of the local dances by the elders. I also enjoy performing contemporary music and composed and toured with the psychedelic rock band Deep Sea Arcade for their second album. As a band we toured within Australia and internationally. I have also completed my Masters of Teaching and work as a teacher, accompanist and conductor at Reddam House in Bondi.
What is your advice to singers performing your works?
Always have fun and think about the meaning behind the words that you’re singing.
Songs by Brendan:
Swimming (SA, bells, cymbal and piano)
What are your favourite pieces you’ve composed?
My absolute favourite piece that I’ve composed would have to be Swimming. This choral work is about one of my all time favourite activities, ocean swimming. Nothing in the world makes me feel more free and energised. Another favourite of mine is Oh Julia, which I composed for Deep Sea Arcade. I love performing this song to a live audience as it always made the crown dance!
Outlaw – Deep Sea Arcade
Contact Brendan O’Mahony:
Learning to Fly – Deep Sea Arcade