Richard Takács
Richard TakácsA new musical director - Richard Takács - was appointed in 2025. Richard has been involved in music for over 40 years and loves sharing his passion for it. He started learning music theory and piano at the age of 6, which gave him a strong foundation for everything that came after. He continued studying piano for another twelve years, learned to play the church organ for three years, and took private lessons in conducting.
Over the years Richard has gained lots of hands-on experience in different musical roles. He directed two choirs in Hungary and worked as a church organist for about twenty years.
He currently holds dual roles as accompanist and co-musical director for the Avondale Voices community choir. He also sings with the Dynamics Vocal Ensemble, an acapella octet.
He occasionally works with other choirs and helps individual singers prepare for their music exams. Ever the enthusiast, he continues his organ training under the guidance of the distinguished Irish organist, teacher, and composer, David Adams.
This diverse background in performing, conducting, and teaching continues to inform his approach to choral music-making.
Tony Norton
Our previous musical director is the eminent Tony Norton. The son of an English mother with Irish roots and a Scottish father, he first came to reside in Ireland in the mid-nineties. A graduate of the Trinity College of Music in London, he arrived here after a 10-year stint employed as a tenor with La Scala in Milan, the height of every opera singer’s ambition.
He has directed the choir since 2017. He brings much energy and skill to the role, taking the music seriously while fostering an atmosphere that allows members to enjoy themselves and socialise at rehearsals. Though he wears his expertise lightly, he has formidable technical know-how to back up his benign authority.
