Returning by popular demand for the fourth of the Queensland Pops Orchestra’s 2015 subscription series is the magnificent concert spectacular “A Celtic Gathering”, in which the Celtic worlds will combine in an extravaganza of music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the broader Celtic nations.

Featuring the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, The Thistle Highland Dancers and Watkins Academy of Irish Dance, this concert promises to be the most exciting and outstanding Celtic gathering ever staged by the Pops.

Founder Musical Director Colin Harper wrote in 2000: “Never did I think it would be it would be so popular, not only with people of Celtic birth or descent, but with many others who are charmed by the romantic and often strongly patriotic music. I am constantly amazed at just how much repertoire there is, the hard decision being what to leave out.” With hit tunes like Highland Cathedral, Men Of Harlech and Irish Tune from County Derry to draw from, dynamic new Musical Director Patrick Pickett CSM is relishing the opportunity to uphold this fantastic Pops tradition.

Our headline artists for this wonderful show return to relive the excitement of the Pops’ very first – and internationally acclaimed – smash-hit “Scotland The Brave” shows, premiered at QPAC in Brisbane (1998) and the Sydney Opera House (1999). Pops Pin-Up Boy Gregory Moore and magnificent soprano Lisa Lockland-Bell wowed the audiences then, and their special on-stage chemistry spawned a new era of concerts that continue to celebrate the rich and vibrant musical heritage of the Celts.

Gregory and Lisa will lead audiences from The Heather On The Hill down The Road To The Isles to The Bonnie Banks Of Loch Lomond, keeping the Celtic flame burning brightly throughout this lively and visually stunning show. Gregory Moore’s mellow tenor voice and wink-and-grin stage craft has endeared him to Pops audiences for 17 years. Gregory’s performing credits include The Ten Tenors, international tours of “Scotland The Brave” (including his star turn on the popular CD/DVD release that became a chart hit in Australia), special guest touring artist with Australian singing star Mirusia, and his recent tour of the UK with his own show, Southern Son. Gregory also has several recordings under his belt, including his CDs I Dreamed Of You and The Christmas Gift, as well as his very own TV Special recorded for Foxtel, An Intimate Evening With Gregory Moore & Friends.

Co-starring with Gregory is the exquisite soprano Lisa Lockland-Bell. Lisa’s voice radiates joy, tenderness and meaning, and her vocal flexibility sees her move from classic opera to softer contemporary and Broadway works with ease. Lisa has appeared with major orchestras across Australia and as soloist by invitation in both the USA and Europe. She has held roles in a glittering array of productions, including The Marriage Of Figaro, Carmen, La Boheme and Die Fleidermaus. In 2011 Lisa became a published author with the release of her book Heartsong - A Search For Harmony. Her CD Heartsong was released in conjunction with her one-woman show of the same name. Lisa’s love of the Celtic repertoire will be felt by everyone ... her rendition of the Scottish lullaby Dream Angus is legendary in Pops circles.

There’ll be plenty of swirling kilts and clicking heels on stage – leading the charge will be Pipe Major Roddy MacDonald, who has been at the forefront of bagpipe composition and performance for over 40 years. His compositions have been played by a wide range of ensembles including the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the world famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Roddy’s performing career has seen him as a recitalist or promoter of culture and trade in over 27 countries. Since 2003 Roddy has been Pipe Major of The Queensland Police Pipes & Drums – a distinguished and much-loved Brisbane ensemble that has enjoyed a long association with the Queensland Pops Orchestra. As Vice-Regal Piper to the Governor of Queensland, Roddy will bring his consummate talents to “A Celtic Gathering”, making for a truly unforgettable Scottish experience. With the fabulous footwork of the Thistle Highland Dancers and Watkins Academy of Irish Dance keeping the on-stage variety in overdrive, audiences are guaranteed ne’er a fairer romp will be had ... and who could imagine a Celtic Pops without a Riverdance or two for good measure!

The Pops motto: be thoroughly entertained. Come along to “A Celtic Gathering” and the guest soloists, dancers and the orchestra’s lads and lassies will have you asking

 “Will Ye No Come Back Again?”