Patrick Brennan

Artistic Director

Patrick Brennan attained his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and as a professional bassoonist performed with Australia’s leading orchestras for 15 years before pursuing a career as a conductor. He participated in the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program whilst directing a number school and community bands and symphonic wind ensembles. Through the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) Patrick was the founding Chief Conductor of the Northern Sydney Schools Wind Orchestra (NSSWO) and in 2010 Patrick established the Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble (NSSWE) musical extension program.

Artistic Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Patrick executive produced Central Coast Opera’s Help Help the Globolinks and in 2014, co-produced and conducted the Concertante Ensemble’s production of Appalachian Spring. Patrick conducts the Central Coast Youth Orchestra and is a regular conductor and artistic advisor of the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra. Patrick is currently the Musical Director for the Opera in the Arboretum and Bouddi Bells working with stars from Opera Australia. In his capacity as a conductor and producer the Conservatorium delivers inspirational performance experiences to student musicians and the community.

As a music educator Patrick has worked within the DEC 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. He was also the NSW representative of the Bassoon syllabus for the AMEB. As a member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the ANSWRC Patrick is currently developing a statewide curriculum for music students across regional NSW.

Working in partnership with the Sydney Opera House, through the ANSWRC, Patrick is part of the team responsible for producing and managing performance experiences for students from regional NSW with world class organisations such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra in creating workshop and performance projects with touring orchestras at the Opera House. As Artistic Director Patrick brings to the Central Coast Conservatorium his expertise in music education and performance. Patrick’s inspirational approach and passion for music education drives the Conservatorium to deliver excellence in comprehensive music education and performance to students and communities locally and statewide.