Musical Directors

Christine Wheeler founded the Heathens in 2009 and has remained our musical director, accompanist and the arranger of fine music for us to sing. Under her leadership the choir has grown both in numbers and in the quality of our performance. Above all, her inclusive, easy going approach means we all have a lot of fun while still working hard to improve musicianship.

Christine is first and foremost a folk singer and musician. She was lead singer and the driving force behind the Celtic band Wheelers and Dealers. She was for many years a member of Pastance, one of the Musica Viva in Schools ensembles, and led Sing Treks into Nepal and New Zealand. Christine currently sings with the Byrd Consort and is the Musical Director of Blackheath Choir Festival.

Rowen Fox joined the Heathens in 2023 as co-Director. Rowen received a Bachelor of Music Composition from the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide in 2004, where he also studied conducting and voice. In 2017 he received his Master of Music Composition from the University of Sydney Conservatorium, studying under Anne Boyd. He has conducted choirs, operas, instrumental and vocal ensembles, and amateur and professional theatre in the Blue Mountains, Sydney and his native Adelaide.

Since moving to the Blue Mountains in late 2011, Rowen has been well known on the choral scene. He was the musical director of the Phoenix Choir from 2012 to 2022, regularly performing major works from the classical choral canon, as well conducting several massed performances for choir and orchestra for Sing in the Mountains, the Heathens’ Bulgamada and the Blackheath Choir Festival. Also, during this time, he formed the Lithgow and Katoomba Community Choirs, and has worked with many other classical and community choirs across the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rowen is also the Musical Director for the Penrith City Choir, and Associate Conductor of the Moo Choir in Warrimoo.

To message Christine or Rowen please fill out the contact form.