IN A year of bold collaborations and musical milestones, theacclaimedVoices of Argyll Chamber Choir, under the direction of Alison McNeill, have truly found their voice on the international stage.
Known for breathing new life into choral music through unexpected pairings and dramatic performances, the choir has already made a name for itself back home.
They’ve graced venues as diverse as the Scottish Parliament, O2 Academy, and the lochs and glens of Argyll itself, where impromptu outdoor concerts transform Scotland’s landscapes into living, breathing concert halls.
Now the ensemble has returned from a remarkable first international tour in Denmark, where music, history, and hospitality came together in unforgettable harmony. From singing in a Viking longhouse to leading a ceilidh in Copenhagen’s main square, the choir’s visit celebrated friendship through music, earning praise and new fans in a cultural exchange that celebrated centuries of shared history between Scotland and Scandinavia.
Their ambitious programme, titled ‘The Threads of Life,’ was a musical tapestry that explored deep- rooted ties between Nordic and Scottish Culture.
Charlotte Frantzdatter chief innovation officer of Lands of Legends Viking Museum, explained: “The Scottish and the Nordic culture are closely interconnected, and music is a great way of showing that connection. Music is a language that transcends borders, and our audience was enthralled by the concert ‘Threads of Life’”
The performance featured everything from 11th-century Norse songs inspired by Viking sagas, to a stirring new arrangement of music from the hit Viking drama ‘The Last Kingdom’ — arranged especially for the choir by Stephen Doughty, Chorus Master of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
The ensemble was joined on stage by Danish singer Christine Kammerer, the award winning folk-rock band Reely Jiggered and pianist Hebba Benyagla fusing old traditions with contemporary energy.
Choir member Fiona McNab from Lochgilphead, said: “It was a joy to perform in the wonderful Viking Hall with its intricate carvings, amazing construction and fantastic acoustics. We had wonderful audiences at every performance. We learned about the Vikings history and way of life. This was a truly wonderful experience.”
The tour’s highlight was a performance at Sagnlandet Lejre, Denmark’s renowned living Viking museum, where the choir’s harmonies echoed through the reconstructed longhouse King’s Hall and surrounding ancient woodlands.
For many in the audience, the performance became more than a concert — it turned into a lively cultural exchange when Scottish singers took part in a Viking battle workshop, crossing swords in good humour with Danish re-enactors.
Mikkel Sand Thychosen, Master of Viking Warfare at Sagnlandet Lejre, said: “No day is ever the same when working in Sagnlandet Lejre. However, the visit from Voices of Argyll will be one of those days that stands out. They filled the hall with wondrous music, and for the duration of the concert, you got a glimpse of how it might have been a thousand years ago when similar gatherings took place. It was an amazing setting and they did an amazing job, captivating every person listening.
Thank you for giving us that experience.”
The tour culminated with an open-air performance on the plaza outside Copenhagen Town Hall, drawing a crowd of locals and tourists from across the world. The final number saw the choir lead an impromptu ceilidh dance, with passers- by joining hands and spinning to foot-tapping fiddle tunes beneath the city’s copper spires.
Kirsten Black from Colintraive reflected: “I never thought I’d find myself standing in the majestic main square in Copenhagen, singing to people from all over the world. It was such an exhilarating experience — they seemed to just love hearing us. That feeling will stay with me forever.”
Anthea Gage from Dunoon added: “When I joined I had no idea that in a few short years I’d have the opportunity and confidence to travel to a wonderful part of Denmark and sing in the largest reconstructed Viking longhouse with a group of amazing women. The camaraderie and laughter lasted from dawn till dusk. I can’t wait for the next trip.”
With their Danish adventure complete, Voices of Argyll now turn their attention to one of the highlights of their calendar — the much-loved Carols by Candlelight concert.
The event takes place at St John’s Church, Dunoon, on December 11, and promises to be one of the most atmospheric performances of the festive season.
The concert features guest performances from Alba Ballet, Kirn Primary School Choir,andsomeofScotland’s finest musicians.
Audiences can look forward to a magical mix of traditional carols and classical favourites — the perfect way to usher in Christmas. Tickets (£14) are available from www. voicesofargyll.com or on the door (subject to availability).
