Guest Director

Christopher Walker

As a renowned lecturer and choral conductor, Christopher Walker is also widely recognized as one of the Church’s most accomplished and versatile composers. Born and educated in England, he earned his degree in music from Bristol University. He served as the first director of music for 18 years at Clifton Cathedral in Bristol and has appeared on BBC T.V. and radio, with his music frequently broadcasted. His extensive catalog includes popular works such as the “Celtic Alleluia,” “The Lord Is My Light,” “At the Name of Jesus,” “Be Still, and Know that I am God,” and “Laudate, Laudate Dominum.” He also has published several collections for children and believes that authentic text should take precedence over music in worship. He was named the NPM Pastoral Musician of the Year in 2012 and now resides in Santa Monica, California.

Workshop Team

Ian Callanan

Ian Callanan, an Irish liturgical composer born in 1971 in Cork, is known for his contributions to the Catholic Church’s musical tradition. He blends traditional Irish melodies with contemporary harmonies, resulting in compositions that are popular among Catholic and secular audiences. Callanan’s music is praised for its ability to convey a sense of reverence and spiritual uplift while being joyful and accessible. He is known for capturing the essence of the texts in his compositions and continues to inspire and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds. He is a respected and beloved figure in the world of liturgical music.

Sr Marie Dunne CFH

Sister Marie Dunne, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Faith, is a Dublin-born church musician with over 30 years of experience in the field. She has served as a musical director and organist for parish choirs, the Dublin Diocese, and the Saint John of God Provincial Choir for 30 years. She is also the director of the Holy Faith Past Pupils’ Choir. As a composer of liturgical and religious music, Sister Marie has written music for her own congregation, the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, and other religious groups. In addition, she works full-time in music and faith/prayer ministry, leading liturgical workshops and retreats and offering music therapy for children with special needs and adults with dementia.

Marian Gaynor

Marian is a native of Carlow, and a graduate of NUI Maynooth and is currently studying an MA in Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) – specialising in Singing for Health and Wellbeing with Voice Workshop UK and University of Wales. Her professional development has encompassed the study of voice and choral conducting with the CME Institute (U.S.A); A.B.C.D. London; CNC, Ireland, and the Estill Voice System, U.K. Marian specialises as a vocal music educator and group singing leader for all ages. Additionally, her work field expands to working a musician educator and as a clinician and organist with the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, presenting choral, cantor and song leadership workshops and training and designing and facilitating participatory music-making programmes for the wider community.

Liam Lawton

Liam Lawton is a well-known liturgical musician from Ireland, known for his compositions in the Celtic idiom. He has been composing for over 20 years, and his collections have been featured in major television broadcasts throughout Europe. He writes in both Gaelic and English, drawing inspiration from ancient prayers and traditions of Ireland. His music is characterized by a sense of joy and is suitable for all assemblies, blending contemporary and traditional instruments. Fr. Lawton is a priest of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.