VOCES8 has announced tenor Riley Eddins as the newest member of the British vocal ensemble.

He takes over for Blake Morgan, who spent a decade with the group and is stepping away from his permanent tenor seat to become VOCES8 Ambassador and Associate Artist. In that role he will write music for the group, perform in selected concerts, produce digital media and lead workshops.

Eddins, who is originally from Minnesota, where he sang as a child for Minnesota Opera, starts his tenure on Jan. 1, 2027, and gives his first concert with the ensemble on Jan. 23, 2027, at Fraumünster Church in Zurich.

Eddins studied vocal performance and music education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He served as music director of the Vanderbilt Melodores, an a cappella group, and prepared them for performances and international tours. He has also worked extensively with youth choirs, schools and musical theatre.

“As I transition into this next chapter of my life, I am extremely grateful to have such incredible and kind musicians by my side,” Eddins said, per an official press release. “I have felt endless love and support from the team, and I can’t wait to bring that energy to audiences around the world. Being a part of VOCES8 has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and I am over the moon to be able to fulfill what I had once hoped for. Blake has been an inspiration of mine for so many years, and as a fellow American Midwesterner, I am very excited to continue his incredible legacy.Thank you to my friends and family who have made this journey possible. I can’t wait to see you on the road!”

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