CHRISTINE WHEELER

Singer, Musician, Community Choir Leader

Christine Wheeler is a celebrated singer, musician, and community choir leader based in the Blue Mountains, NSW. With a career spanning over three decades, Christine is known for her rich folk vocals, deep musical sensitivity, and a commitment to music as a tool for cultural expression and community building.

Artist Biography

Christine’s love of music blossomed in Melbourne’s vibrant folk scene, where she was immersed in the traditional sounds of Irish, Scottish, Balkan, Italian and South American music. Since relocating to Sydney, she has pursued formal studies in performance and ethnomusicology at both the University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney.

Now firmly rooted in the Blue Mountains, Christine is a cornerstone of the local music scene. She is the founding musical director of The Heathens, a community choir based in Blackheath, and also sings in the a cappella Renaissance quartet Canon Fodder. Every 18 months, she leads Sing Trek Nepal, a unique travel-and-song experience through the Himalayan region.

Christine is first and foremost a folk musician, and her warm, expressive voice and musicianship have led her to perform in various ensembles across Australia. She currently performs at venues throughout the Blue Mountains and continues to contribute to numerous collaborative musical projects.

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Career Highlights

Wheelers and Dealers (1998–2008): Christine was the lead singer and co-manager of this award-winning Celtic folk band. The group released several acclaimed albums, including Full House, which won the 2007 Folk Alliance Australia Recording Award. She also co-wrote the politically resonant track Woomera, which received the MusicOz Award in 2003.
Rain in the Mountains – Songs from Henry Lawson (2014): Christine’s passion project, this album is a vibrant and sensitive musical tribute to Australian poet Henry Lawson. Drawing on years of research and collaboration, it features musical settings by Slim Dusty, Chris Kempster, John Schumann, and Christine herself. The album received airplay across ABC Classic and Local Radio and includes contributions from members of Midnight Oil, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Flying Emus, and more.
Musica Viva in Schools (12 Years): Christine spent over a decade performing in primary schools as part of Musica Viva's educational outreach, nurturing a new generation’s love for diverse musical traditions through the ensemble Pastance.
Recording and Collaborations: Christine’s voice and flute can be heard on recordings with Dog Trumpet, Shameless Seamus and the Tullamore Dews, Warren Daly, and many independent Australian songwriters. Her versatility has seen her work across genres from folk and classical to jazz and experimental world music.
The Songs of Henry Lawson (Book Project): As part of her dedication to folk heritage, Christine co-edited and promoted the second edition of this landmark songbook published by the NSW Folk Federation, featuring over 140 poems set to music by 80 composers.
Choir and Festival Leadership: In addition to directing The Heathens, Christine is the Musical Director of the Blackheath Choir Festival and a member of the Byrd Consort, reflecting her ongoing involvement in both community music and early music traditions.

“Christine has a voice that matches the warmth and clarity of your end-of-day malt.” – Springboard Media, UK

MORE CREDITS ...

Christine's recording credits include Warren Daly (of the Daly-Wilson Big Band) on his American Civil War concerto Old Glory, Dog Trumpet (the O'Doherty brothers of Mental as Anything), Shameless Seamus and the Tullamore Dews (Irish band of Jim Moginie, ex-Midnight Oil), as well as a number of Australian songwriters and recording artists.
Christine's recent 'Rain in the Mountains' project grew out of several years of voluntary labour helping to celebrate the musical output of another folk musician, Chris Kempster, who was himself passionate about the lyrical output of Henry Lawson. The final part of that project was a second edition of a songbook entitled 'The Songs of Henry Lawson', published for us by the NSW Folk Federation.

Testimonials:

'Loved your show, and our copy of your cd is almost worn out! Thanks for helping us to appreciate this great Australian poet'.

'Your warm and compassionate singing made me shed a tear for the truthfulness of the lyrics'

Gigs & Events

Current Appearance

How The Heathens Found Harmony

The Heathens Choir Live in Concert – a Night of Song

Posted on April 17, 2025 by choir webmaster

Step into a night of rich harmony and heartfelt song as the Heathens Choir presents an uplifting celebration of music and community. With over 50 passionate voices, the Heathens will take you on a journey through a vibrant repertoire of folk-infused songs, tender ballads, soaring pop classics, and a touch of gospel.

This is a rare chance to experience the joyful energy and emotional depth of one of the Blue Mountains’ most beloved community choirs. Every note is wrapped in warmth, connection, and the spirit of belonging that defines the Heathens.

This special performance is everything the Heathens Choir stands for – connection, creativity and community spirit. Your support ensures the Heathens Choir continues to grow, sing, and share music with the community we love.

Your ticket secures reserved seating and includes a post-show gathering where you’re invited to join the choir for mulled wine, tea and coffee.

It’s an invitation to be moved, to sing along, and to share in the magic of a musical village.

BUY TICKETS HERE

www.tinyurl.com/heathens25

The exhibition runs Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–3pm, until Saturday 31 May. Don’t miss this engaging showcase of Catherine Kennedy’s vivid and thought-provoking work.

Follow @artsbluemountains on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and artist insights.

MEDIA RELEASE

Prepare to be uplifted, inspired, and moved as The Heathens Choir presents How the Heathens Found Harmony—a one-night-only concert event at Bates Hall, Blackheath, on Friday, June 27, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

This evocative program is more than a collection of songs—it’s a rich and emotionally resonant musical journey, artfully curated and introduced by Gary Werskey, who also serves as the evening's MC. As Gary notes:

“The whole of the concert is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s really quite a moving and complex musical journey we’re preparing for our audience. Hearing these songs back-to-back helped me appreciate far more the beauty of these arrangements and how they blend our voices together.”

At its core, this concert is a celebration of harmony—musical, emotional, and communal. Each song contributes a thread to the tapestry, ranging from classic folk ballads to modern anthems, from songs of place and protest to heartfelt reflections on love, resilience, and hope.

Join us for the official opening celebration on Saturday 10 May from 2 to 4pm, where Catherine will be in attendance to share insights into her storytelling process. The atmosphere will be enlivened by the soulful sounds of Karl Javernig, providing the perfect backdrop to an afternoon of art and conversation.

Program Highlights Include:

A stirring choral entrance with “The Sound of Singing” from the back of the hall
A nostalgic journey through “59th Street Bridge Song” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Touching renditions of “Perfect”, “Wildflowers”, and “Sunshine on Leith”
Locally resonant pieces such as “Rain in the Mountains” and “Old Cape Barren”
Spiritual and folk classics including “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” and “Anthem”
Uplifting crowd favourites like “I’m On Your Side”, “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day”, and the beloved Scottish farewell, “Caledonia”
Concluding on a triumphant note with the soul-stirring encore, “The Storm is Passing Over”

With richly layered harmonies and thoughtful arrangements, The Heathens Choir transforms each piece into a communal experience—a celebration of the power of voices raised together in song.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time listener, How the Heathens Found Harmony offers an unforgettable evening of music that will leave your heart singing.

🎟️ Bookings essential. For ticketing information, visit [Insert Ticket Link]
📣 Follow The Heathens Choir on [Insert Social Media] for updates and behind-the-scenes content.