About Us
A Brief History
What started out as a twelve person community choir under the leadership of Mr. Ronnie Allen has grown and developed into a seventy person, four part choral ensemble. The Hibernian Festival Singers have performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Their tours have included the 150th commemoration of the Great Hunger in Ireland, Solemn Mass at the Vatican in Rome, Notre Dame, Le Mont-St. Michel, Lourdes, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, La Madeleine Church in Paris, Normandy's American Cemetery and Beaches as well as concerts throughout the United States. Some performances of particular acclaim have been Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan, Westbury and Valley Forge Music Fairs, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, St. Ignatius Basilica in Rome, the Stonehill College Irish Festival, the Hofstra University Irish Festival, the St. James Irish Festival, the Nassau Coliseum, Trump Plaza and Shea Stadium. The Hibernian Festival Singers have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such exceptional artists as Frank Patterson, Hal Roach, John McNally, Ronan Tynan, Anthony Kearns, the Wolfe Tones, Carmel Quinn, Dana, Andy Cooney, Mac & and Dermot Henry.
Beyond these notable achievements, the group has donated their time to sing for many community, civic, church and Ancient Order of Hibernian functions. They look forward to providing both their local and their larger global community with many more years of quality Irish entertainment.
Management of the Hibernian Festival Singers
The Hibernian Festival Singers is managed by an elected Executive Board, consisting of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, Historian, Librarian and representatives from each vocal section. Additionally, the Conductor and Chairpersons of Publicity, Fund Raising and Wardrobe also sit on the Board. They are governed by an established set of by-laws.
Our Conductor
The Hibernian Festival Singers is presently under the direction of Mr. Christopher Bilella. A native of Long Island, Mr. Bilella received his bachelor's degree in music education from the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford and his master's degree from Dowling College, Oakdale, New York. Since 1991, he has been an educator in the Bay Shore School District's Music Department, Bay Shore, New York. Mr. Bilella has worked as a professional music director, church choir director, private vocal coach, piano teacher and accompanist. From 1992 to 1998, he served as the Assistant Conductor and Accompanist to the Hibernian Festival Singers, under the direction of acclaimed tenor, James Hopkins. In the spring of 1998, he accepted the conductorship.
Our Accompanists
Mr. George Tucci, an accomplished musician, hails from Hollis, New York. Mr. Tucci's vast career has encompassed extensive tours of the United States and Canada. Some of his most memorable performances include USO tours and shows with such notable artists as Jack Benny and Jerry Vale. Although he currently teaches the accordion, Mr. Tucci has given private instruction in piano, organ and guitar as well. The Hibernian Festival Singers have had the privilege of Mr. Tucci's accompaniment since 1982.
Dr. Craig Morrow, a native of Seattle, Washington, received his bachelor's degree in music from Yale University. He earned his master's degree in piano performance from Queens College, New York and was awarded a Ph.D. in piano performance from New York University. Dr. Morrow's career has been marked by notable concert works, musical direction and special honors. Presently, he is an educator in the Bay Shore School District's Music Department. Dr. Morrow is also an accomplished piano teacher, choir director and church organist. The Hibernian Festival Singers have enjoyed his accompaniment at a variety of events since 1989.
Ms. Dianne O'Neill of Kings Park, Long Island is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Her professional career as a pianist has taken her worldwide. Some of her most memorable performances include a concert in St. Maarten with Patti LaBelle and tours throughout the United States with artists such as Jaco Pastorius, the Cavaliers, Mark Wills and the Thompson Brothers. Ms. O'Neill can most often be found performing at weddings, concerts, corporate affairs, teaching piano or producing musical recordings of all styles in her private studio. She is an active member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). Ms. O'Neill has been sharing her talent with the Hibernian Festival Singers since January of 2000.
Prospective Members Information
To contact someone regarding membership, please see our Contact Page.
The Hibernian Festival Singers is continually seeking qualified singers for the soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts. Singers must have the ability to learn a part and sing with a pleasant, blending voice. Sight-reading is not a mandatory requirement, but it is helpful. Auditions are scheduled by appointment with the Conductor and the Managing Director.
Membership Requirements
Members of the Hibernian Festival Singers are required to pay yearly dues of $100. Dues may be paid in two installments in September and January. Each singer is required to attend all rehearsals, purchase all music (cost is kept at a reasonable level) and memorize all performance pieces. The Hibernian Festival Singers rehearse year round on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. A strict concert dress code is maintained. Costumes may be ordered at a reasonable price upon acceptance into the organization. In order to defray some of the expenses of the group, members are asked to participate in a variety of fund raising activities throughout the year. All Singers are also expected to sell tickets to performances.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of the Hibernian Festival Singers, you will experience the love of and dedication to high quality choral production. Within a supportive, friendly environment, your level of musical performance will vastly improve. You will be given the chance to experience camaraderie with fellow skilled singers who are committed to excellence and expressiveness in the performance of choral works of all genres. Additionally, you will be afforded the opportunity for extensive traveling both in the United States and abroad. Members are also given the opportunity to participate in professional studio recording. Lastly, each member receives a seasonal newsletter with all current information relative to the Hibernian Festival Singers.