RSNO announces Andrew McTaggart as new director of Changed Voices Posted Mon 8 December 2025
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew McTaggart to Director of Changed Voices, part of the RSNO Youth Chorus designed to support boys whose voices are changing. McTaggart takes up the position in early 2026 following the retirement of Frikki Walker who has been the Director of Changed Voices for the last 18 years.
Bringing with him a wealth of education experience, McTaggart is currently a Lecturer in Voice at his alma mater, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. As well as teaching at The University of Aberdeen, McTaggart is a Voice & Youth Arts Project Lead for CAMPS in Cumnock and the Musical Director of Ayr Choral Union, The Wordsworth Singers and Chorus Master of James MacMillan’s Cumnock Tryst Festival Chorus.
Changed Voices is a satellite group of the RSNO Youth Chorus for boys whose voices are changing. The choir was established in 2006, with generous support from The Gannochy Trust, with the aim of encouraging boys to continue singing as their voices are changing. Studies have shown that careful singing through the changing process allows boys to develop and maintain a healthy singing technique. Changed Voices continues the fine RSNO Youth Chorus tradition of singing and musicianship taught in a lively and fun way, while giving the voice time to develop before members move into adult choirs.
To celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary, composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad and librettist Kate Wakeling were commissioned to create a piece of music inspired by the group. You Have to be Realistic About a Perfect Day received its world premiere in November 2025 with the Changed Voices Choir and the RSNO.
On his appointment to the position, Andrew McTaggart said: ‘I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Director of Changed Voices with the RSNO. This is a dream job for me which unites my passion for choral singing and working with young voices, guiding them through the technical challenges while inspiring the next generation of tenors and basses. I cannot wait to get started in the New Year!’
Patrick Barrett, RSNO Youth Chorus Director, said: ‘Andy brings remarkable insight and energy to the role of Director. His leadership will be invaluable as Changed Voices continues to grow and I’m looking forward to working with him over the rest of the Season and beyond. On behalf of the RSNO, I’d like to thank Frikki Walker for all of his work with the group over the last 18 years. The group has grown under his direction, and it was a proud moment celebrating the 20th anniversary of Changed Voices last month with the premiere of Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s You Have to be Realistic About a Perfect Day.’