The Narrabri Eisteddfod committee, led by president Jacqui Warnock, is busy with preparations for the 2022 event to be held at The Crossing Theatre from Monday, May 23 to Thursday, June 2.

Rehearsals are well underway in schools throughout the district.

Sydney-based Richard Morphew’s pre-eisteddfod workshops, organised by committee member Judy Watson each year, took a different turn this year when Richard, unfortunately, came down with COVID.

Participating children were invited to conduct a training workshop online instead.

Richard studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with the legendary Alexander Sverjensky for piano and with the equally legendary Elizabeth Todd for singing, and Errol Collins for violin.

He taught music at several NSW secondary schools before travelling to the USA and England to further his musical studies.

Richard returned to Australia to take up a position as a lecturer in music and music education at Alexander Mackie Teachers’ College, and later at Sydney College of Advanced Education and the University of New South Wales, as well as being a part time lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

The 2022 Narrabri Eisteddfod program kicks off with music (May 23-25), convened by Dianne Shann and Jenny Tucker and adjudicated by Barry Walmsley.

Barry has enjoyed a distinguished career as a music educator, piano accompanist, writer, and adjudicator.

For 11 years since 1990, Barry was the music critic for the Newcastle Herald, writing a regular column each week.

During this time, he attained a Master of Music degree from the University of New South Wales and was subsequently made a Member of the Australian College of Education.

The dance program (May 27-29) will be convened by Heather Langfield and adjudicated by Christopher Wood.

Christopher is the principal and artistic director of ‘In Rhythm Dance Co’, which Christopher created in 2003. Since then, he has successfully sent hundreds of students through their BAL (Ballet Australasia Ltd) exams.

Christopher has been dancing and performing professionally since the age of 5.

He has choreographed and performed in shows that have toured Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.

Christopher adjudicates throughout the year for various eisteddfods and for The Australian Dance Championship regional and state finals.

The speech and drama program (May 31 – June 2) will be convened by Louise Stewart and adjudicated by Linda Van Viersen.

A teacher in speech and drama on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years and a renowned adjudicator, Linda is also an experienced performer.

Throughout her career, Linda’s focus has been tutoring in the areas of speech and drama, effective communication, musical theatre, and Shakespeare.

There will be an evening session of music on Monday, May 23, and two evening sessions for dance on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.

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