Brian MacKay is a graduate of the Royal College of Music in London and the Kodály Institute in Hungary. He studied conducting under Lawrence Leonard, János Fürst, Katalin Kiss and Peter Erdei.

Since returning to settle in Ireland, Brian has become well known as a vocal coach in the fields of Opera, Song and Choral Music. He coaches regularly in London and in 2002 was one of the international guest teachers to coach at the Liszt Academy in Budapest and was invited to return in 2003.

Since 1993 Brian has been principal guest conductor of the Nairobi Orchestra in Kenya. He is also Artistic Director of the professional choir Fishamble Voices, Associate Musical Director of Enchiriadis Treis Choir, Artistic Director of Irish Vocal Masterclasses and Chairperson of the Kodály Society of Ireland.

In the field of Opera, Brian has established an enviable reputation as conductor with Castleward Opera and has been invited to return for their 2005 season. In 2004/5 he will conduct concerts with many ensembles throughout Ireland and abroad. He was appointed Musical Director and Conductor of the St. George’s Singers in September 2002