CQUniversity Mackay music lecturer Kim Kirkman has turned his voice to a new project just in time for Christmas...

He has joined together with CQUniversity Music Theatre graduates Kris Brennan and Paul Tabone; current students from the Bachelor of Music Theatre course Brett O'Neil and Sam Hanson and community singer Neil Young to create Formidable, which could be described as Central Queensland's version of the international act Il Divo.

Kim KirkmanRecently the group released the single, O Holy Night, just in time for the Christmas season. The single also includes their version of Por ti Sere (You Raise me Up) and is on sale now in Mackay.

Kirkman said the talent and potential of CQUniversity students is fantastic and the support of the Mackay people is overwhelming.

"We have a good following here; we always have good houses when we do stuff. The potential is just fantastic and Mackay has very talented people and they seem to lap it up."

Kirkman first started playing string instruments before exploring other areas of the music industry.

The classically trained vocalist came to Mackay about 15 years ago but left on an adventure to explore the music culture overseas.

A tug on the heartstrings brought him back 4 years ago, and he and his partner, singing teacher Beth Allen, have settled on a small farm in Farleigh and have a 2-year-old daughter, Ellenie Faith.

Formidable will perform this weekend in Mackay."Love drew me back to Mackay, I am now happily settled down. I love it here, I get to see Eungella views one way and the ocean views the other way," he said.

Formidable performed on the weekend at the Carols in the City in Mackay.

Their next performance is this Saturday Night, December 13 at the Conservatorium Theatre in Mackay. Tickets are available at the door for $15 Adults and $10 Concessions. More info here.

Their Christmas release, which features 2 songs, can only be purchased at Canelands Music for $5.