Stephen Carroll - Director

is the Founder of Claddagh Choral. He is currently undertaking an MA in Choral Conducting at California State University, Los Angeles and holds a Music Degree (BMus) from Maynooth University. Stephen is the representative for Northern & Western Europe and Israel on the YOUNG committee for the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM). He works on national and international initiatives for choral music all over the world. He has a wealth of experience with some of Ireland’s top ensembles such as the Palestrina Choir, Anúna, Celtic Woman, New Dublin Voices and more. He has extensive experience working with broadcasting; he co-produced Nollaig Cois Coiribe, an hour long TV Show for TG4. He has also appeared on the History Channel’s hit series “Vikings” and performed RTÉ's long-running "Late Late Show". He has directed other groups in productions for TV and viral videos on YouTube with over a million streams.

In 2021-2022, Stephen was the conductor in residence for the Galway City Arts Office supported by Galway City Council. Here he worked with several schools in the Galway area and trained budding choral conductors.

Over the last few years he has also toured throughout Europe, America and Asia. He is a member of the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and is a regular attendee of international conferences and workshops and travels to places such as London, New York, LA for the up-skilling and development of Claddagh Choral.

Lorna Salmon - Co-Conductor Claddagh choral

Based in the west of Ireland, Lorna Salmon holds a BA in Music from University of Galway and has been working closely with music groups of all ages, such as Centerstage Vocal Academy, Claddagh Choral and alternative performers across Ireland, Lorna has great experience with stage production, postproduction and management.

Director of University of Galway Choral Society and ATU Wild Atlantic Voices, creating a positive environment which provokes enjoyment and learning is at the center of her choral practice. Being a native Irish speaker, she is deeply invested in Irish music culture. Reflected in her dissertation ‘A search for Irish contemporary choral repertoire’, she always includes Irish language pieces and works composed by Irish artists in her programs.

Also, a solo artist and composer, a sum of her choral arrangements have been performed in Galway.

With previous collaborations with local Galway composer Sean Burke, and planned performances of her original compositions and arrangements in 2023/2024, this young artist will continue to support the development and growth of music performance in the west of Ireland.

Chloe Collins - Conductor in training

Chloe Collins is a 3rd year music student at University of Galway with a passion for choral music and the voice. Chloe has been awarded different scholarships for her singing and has appeared as a soloist on TG4’s Christmas Eve Special Nollaig Cois Coiribe, 2022. Chloe is looking forward to working with the youth academy throughout the 2024.