 The formation of the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir in 1984 meant a reduction in St. James's work for RTÉ, but allowed O'Brien to direct his own concerts in the National Concert Hall.These included Dvořák's Stabat Mater (1986), Verdi's Requiem (1987), Gounod's Messe Solennelle (1989), Handel's "Messiah" (1990) and Berlioz's Te Deum (1991), this with Stuart Burrows as soloist.O'Brien suffered ill health throughout his life.