OUR TEAM
Meet the dedicated individuals behind our exceptional performances, each contributing their unique talents and passion to create unforgettable musical experiences. Explore their stories and discover the artistry that drives our concerts to new heights.
Patrick Brennan - Musical Director & Conductor
Patrick Brennan is the Artistic Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.
A highly regarded professional conductor, Patrick attained his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. As a professional bassoonist, Patrick performed with Australia’s leading orchestras for 15 years before pursuing a career as a conductor.
Patrick participated in the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program whilst directing several school and community bands and symphonic wind ensembles. In 2020, Patrick won a coveted position in the Australian Conducting Academy, working with the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra.
Patrick has created and developed several cornerstone organisations including the Northern Sydney Schools Wind Orchestra, Central Coast Opera, Regional Youth Orchestra NSW and Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which offers weekly professional development for tertiary music students.
As a music educator, Patrick has worked within the Department of Education Arts Unit, in government and non-government schools, as well as in tertiary institutions, including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
As Artistic Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Patrick musically directs the major premier music ensembles on the Central Coast. His passion for music education is evident in all he does. Patrick has been Musical Director of the Philharmonia since 2019.
Anne Haslam - Vocal Coach
Anne studied singing at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and later studied for approximately seven years with Australian contralto Lauris Elms OBE. Anne also studied with teachers from the English National Opera, at Covent Garden, UK. She has appeared as alto soloist with many major Australian orchestras and choral groups. Anne was an alto soloist in Handel's Messiah in the Royal Albert Hall, conducted by Sir David Willcox and was fortunate to sing Mahler Lieder with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach.
Anne also joined the Song Company, appearing in many concerts and in tours, as part of Musica Viva's programmes in NSW schools. Joining the full-time chorus of Opera Australia, Anne soon appeared in understudy roles and was offered principal roles. Anne has worked with many of Australia's finest conductors and prior to joining the Central Coast Philharmonia, was a soloist and vocal coach with Central Coast Opera.
Since joining the choir in 2019, Anne has appeared as chorister, soloist and vocal coach. Anne also assists with the Central Coast Children's and Youth Choirs and enjoys the expert guidance of Patrick Brennan in his work in the choral community. In 2019, Anne formed premier acapella group Ebb & Flow alongside Patrick Brennan.
Lilli Naulu - Pianist / Piano Accompanist
Lilli studied piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Stephanie McCallum and piano accompaniment with David Miller. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and Master of Music Studies from the University of Sydney.
Lilli has over 30 years experience as a professional accompanist for numerous vocalists, instrumentalists and choirs. Residing on the Central Coast, Lilli has worked as a piano tutor as well as piano accompanist for the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music and the Central Coast Grammar School.
Lilli has also served as a rehearsal pianist for the Central Coast Philharmonia Choir and the Central Coast Chorale for the past 10 years. She is currently employed as Piano Accompanist at the Newcastle Grammar School.
Gerard Nicholls - Pianist / Piano Accompanist
Gerard is a Central Coast-based pianist, organist, and composer. He majored in piano and composition at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, receiving the Tertiary Music Scholarship and the Faculty Medal, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Distinction). Gerard undertook further mentoring and postgraduate studies as Associate Artist Repetiteur with Pacific Opera, and completed a Graduate Diploma in Arts Screen at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS). Since 2018 he has been Organist at St John the Baptist Catholic Parish, Woy Woy, and in 2023 was appointed as the Organ Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle.
Gerard’s performance highlights include guest appearances with the Christ Church Camerata, Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Newcastle Orchestra. He performed as Principal Keyboard with Symphony Central Coast (2013-2023) and with The Filmharmonia Orchestra (2018-2022). Gerard has composed for artists including Sally Walker, Omega Ensemble, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Symphony Central Coast, and for the short film “A Little Bag For Me”, which screened at the 2024 Saint-Tropez Festival des Antipodes and the 2025 Antenna Film Festival.
Darcy ??? - Our Assistant Conductor
Patrick Donnellan - Our Patron
Patrick Donnellan OAM graduated with Bachelor of Arts in 1966 and Bachelor of Laws in 1970 from Sydney University and as Master of Arts from the University of New South Wales in 1991 majoring in French. Patrick has the Diplôme Supérieur de Français des Affaires. He was admitted as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 1970 and has practised law in Gosford ever since.
Patrick was the President of the Gosford Philharmonia Inc. from 1977 to 2006 and was President of the Central Coast Law Society from 2000 to 2002. He is one of the fifteen senior practitioners who form the New South Wales Local Government Lawyers Group. He was awarded the OAM in 2013 for services to the Community of Gosford.