About

voices of argyll

MUSIC, NATURE, WELLBEING

Founded in 2021, Voices of Argyll is a vibrant and innovative female chamber choir based on the stunning West Coast of Scotland, directed by Alison McNeill. The choir is dedicated to providing exceptional musical experiences and high-quality performance opportunities for those living in rural communities. With a focus on engaging diverse audiences, Voices of Argyll performs in some of Scotland’s most historic and picturesque venues, including castles, forests, beaches, and ferries, bringing music to both locals and visitors alike.

In its first year, the choir made a memorable debut with performances at Inveraray Castle, a music video filmed at Ardkinglass Estate, and pop-up concerts in outdoor settings. They also hosted a Singing and Wellbeing Weekend, collaborating with life coach Marion Barlas. Voices of Argyll has since supported acclaimed folk singer Eddi Reader on her Scottish tour and performed for Argyll and Bute's International Women’s Day event, attended by MSP Jenni Minto.

The choir’s 2023 Making Waves Tour, a multidisciplinary artistic experience, saw them collaborate with Cowal Open Studios, sound designer Fiona McNeill, and spoken word artist Katherine Macfarlane. The tour included performances at iconic locations such as Rothsay Castle, Kilchatten Pier, and Scalpsie Bay, culminating in two unforgettable performances at the renowned Mount Stuart.

Further expanding their repertoire, the choir premiered a new commission for sitar, tabla, piano, Indian dancer and choir by Amit Anand at Scottish Parliament and performed at the Glasgow Mela, the largest South Asian festival in Scotland. In recognition of their artistry, Voices of Argyll achieved second place in the National Upper Voice Competition and reached the final of the Choir of the Festival Competition at the City of Derry International Choral Festival in Northern Ireland. 2024 came to a rousing conclusion when they performed alongside renowned folk band Beluga Lagoon in the O2 Academy and Queens Hall to capacity crowds.

2025 took the choir on a tour of Denmark performing at The Viking Hall in Lejre and outside Copenhagen's Town Hall in a programme celebrating the threads that bind Nordic and Scottish Culture. 

In 2026 the choir embark on a Mid Argyll Summer Tour of Dunoon, Tarbert, Isle of Gigha and A'Chleit continuing their mission of bring choral music to rural communities showing Voices of Argyll are continuing to push the boundaries of what a rural Scottish choir can achieve.

Summer Tour

Dunoon, Tarbert, Gigha, A’Chleit

Award-winning Voices of Argyll Chamber Choir lights up Argyll this summer with stunning choral music and powerful spirituals, echoing through islands and rural communities. Support live music in rural areas

Previous events

AWARD-WINNING VOICES OF ARGYLL CHAMBER CHOIR LIGHTS UP ARGYLL THIS SUMMER WITH STUNNING CHORAL MUSIC AND POWERFUL SPIRITUALS, ECHOING THROUGH ISLANDS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

Voices of Argyll will perform Songs of Praise during the church service. FREE

Share

AWARD-WINNING VOICES OF ARGYLL CHAMBER CHOIR LIGHTS UP ARGYLL THIS SUMMER WITH STUNNING CHORAL MUSIC AND POWERFUL SPIRITUALS, ECHOING THROUGH ISLANDS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES. They are delighted to be a part of The Sound of Gigha Music Festival. Entry is via Sound of Gigha Music Festival ticket.

Share

Carols by Candlelight - Dunoon

St John's Church, Dunoon, Argyll St, , Dunoon, PA23 7DB

Come and join Voices of Argyll, directed by Alison McNeill, in the stunning setting of St. John's Church, Dunoon for a candlelit performance of carols old and new with some of your favourite Christmas melodies accompanied by piano, violin and percussion with a special performance from Alba Ballet. A perfect outing for the whole family.

Share

Voices of Argyll - Denmark Tour - Performance in Copenhagen Main Square

Voices of Argyll perform a mix of Scottish and Scandinavian music in Copenhagen Main Town Square on their tour of Denmark with musicians and guest soloist Christine Kammerer, directed by Alison McNeill.

Share

Voices of Argyll - Viking Hall - Lejre - Denmark

Join Voices of Argyll on their tour of Denmark as they perform an exciting mix of Scottish and Scandanavian music with musicians and guest soloist Christine Kammerer.

On a beautiful hill in Lejre Land of Legends lies the recreated version of the largest royal hall we know from the Viking Age in Denmark. The remains of the original building were excavated less than three kilometers from Lejre Land of Legends, in a field in the village of Gl. Lejre. Here, archaeologists had been busy on several occasions excavating the remains of an impressive settlement stretching from the Iron Age well into the Viking Age.

In 2009, the remains of Denmark’s largest Viking Age house emerged from the rubble. At just over 60 meters from gable to gable, the hall was about as long as a modern football pitch is wide, and with its rows of large, thick posts, the structure could support a building with a ceiling height of over 10 meters. Covering over 600m2, the Great Royal Hall is a unique testament to the culmination of Nordic architecture and craftsmanship in the Viking Age.

Share

"The Threads of Life" is an innovative collaboration that unites Voices of Argyll, Scottish musicians—Alison McNeill (fiddle/vocals/conductor), Fiona McNeill(bodhran/guitar), Hebba Benyaghla (piano) and Chunyi Kang (violin) with Danish musician and storyteller Christine Kammerer (singer/lyre/piano/composer/expert on Viking culture and music) in an evening of song and storytelling.

This project explores the rich tapestry of Viking history and its enduring influence on both Scottish and Danish cultures, weaving in contemporary narratives also inspired by popular dramas like “Outlander” and “The Last Kingdom”.   Historical Context The Viking Age profoundly shaped the cultural landscapes of Scotland and Denmark. The Norse settlements in the Hebrides and the Kingdom of the Isles established lasting connections thatinfluenced language, tradition, and folklore. This collaborationseeks to illuminate these intertwined histories through music and storytelling, highlighting the shared heritage of the Norse and Celtic peoples.

The Vikings had a significant impact on Argyll, Scotland, particularly during the late 8th to 11th centuries. They arrived primarily as raiders, targeting monasteries and settlements along the coast, such as Iona, which was a major center of Christian learning.

Share

Join Voices of Argyll for a Carols by Candlelight Concert in the stunning setting of Kirn & Sandbank Parish Church. There will be a special performance from a secret guest! A perfect way to get into the festive spirit for all the family.

Share

Scotland's biggest FREE multicultural festival - with 3 stages of incredible music and dance, mouth watering food from all around the globe as well as a colourful and enticing bazaar plus creative crafts and sporting sessions for the kids, there's something for everyone at the Glasgow Mela. Voices of Argyll perform Interwoven - a piece celebrating the shared histories of Scotland and India.

Share

Join us for an unforgettable musical journey celebrating the shared histories of India and Scotland! Voices of Argyll choir proudly collaborates with talented Indian musicians for a mesmerizing concert tour. Experience the enchanting melodies of sitar and tabla blending harmoniously with the powerful harmonies of our choir. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Indian dance, beautifully interwoven with our choral performances. Don't miss this unique fusion of cultures and musical traditions. Book your tickets now for an evening of cultural exchange and musical delight!

Share

An unforgettable musical journey celebrating the shared histories of India and Scotland! Voices of Argyll choir proudly collaborates with talented Indian musicians for a mesmerizing concert tour. Experience the enchanting melodies of sitar and tabla blending harmoniously with the powerful harmonies of our choir. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Indian dance, beautifully interwoven with our choral performances. INVITE ONLY EVENT

Share

Carols by Candlelight Concert - DUNOON

Kirn and Sandbank Parish Church, 2 Kirn Brae, Dunoon

Join Voices of Argyll for a Carols by Candlelight Concert in the stunning setting of Kirn & Sandbank Parish Church. There will be a special performance from a solo ballerina from Alba Ballet too! A perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

Share

FREE SINGING WORKSHOP

Glendaruel Village Hall, Glendaruel

SAT 2ND DECEMBER 2023, 10.30AM-1.45PM.

Work with conductor Alison McNeill (Scottish Opera, National Youth Choir of Scotland, National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland & RSNO) in a fun and inspiring singing workshop including vocal technique, musicianship and choral singing. You’ll then have lunch and join Voices of Argyll (a female chamber choir creating exciting performance opportunities for singers in Argyll and Bute) for a rehearsal and have the opportunity to take part in their Christmas concert on 17th December. Open to female adult singers and children of all ages. Register online by 25th November. https://form.jotform.com/232414648293358

This project is funded by Cruach Mhor Windfarm

Share

Making Waves Summer Tour: MOUNT STUART, ISLE OF BUTE

Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute

Join Voices of Argyll directed by Alison McNeill as they present ‘Making Waves’, a programme inspired by Argyll’s Wild Landscape featuring stunning choral music, accompanied by soundscape and lighting design, featuring award winning Spoken Word Artist Katherine MacFarlane. Voices of Argyll Director: Alison McNeill Spoken Word: Katherine McFarlane Pianist: Gina Baker Percussion: Fiona McNeill Soundscape Design: Fiona McNeill Tickets: FREE with entry to Mount Stuart.

Share

Latest News

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Join our mailing list for the latest news and concerts

Studio Shots