Artistic Director
Jonathan Rea studied Music at Cambridge University, where he won choral and instrumental awards, including the Rima Alamuddin prize for performance.
He is a versatile musician who has written and arranged music for a broad range of clients, including BBC and RTE TV and radio, Bluetree, Robin Mark, Yazz and Gettymusic - plus a large number of local schools and choirs. He has conducted and produced recording sessions with the City of Prague Orchestra as well as directing many successful lives events in concerts halls and churches throughout Ireland. Jonathan also maintains an active role as a piano accompanist across a wide range of musical styles. His compositions and arrangements are published through his own company, newvoicemusic.com, which specialises in music for churches and schools.
Jonathan leads a busy life as Artistic Director of New Irish Arts and Director of Music in Bangor Grammar School. He is also an active member of Ballycrochan Baptist Church. This combination of responsibilities gives him lots of scope to exercise his passion for using the Arts in creative and engaging ways - specifically to present Christianity. Jonathan is also active as a seminar speaker, specialising in issues related to the use of music in church life and the broader topic of worshipping God.
Jonathan lives in Bangor with his wife Gill and sons Oliver and Theo. He enjoys the paradox of being a member of the Caravan Club and a fan of
Top Gear.