After a decade as a full-time singer with the group, Blake will step away from his permanent tenor seat within the ensemble to embrace a broader artistic and educational portfolio. In this new position, he will continue to work closely with VOCES8 through a range of creative projects including writing music for the group, performing in selected concerts, producing digital media, and leading workshops.

A central part of this new chapter will see Blake turning more of his creative energy toward composing and arranging — areas in which he has already made a valued artistic contribution to the ensemble’s sound and repertoire, including his ongoing recording project Windows: Reimaginings. The role will provide greater space for this work to develop while allowing him to remain closely connected to the artistic life of VOCES8.

In addition, the ambassadorial dimension of this new role will enable Blake to extend the reach of the VOCES8 Foundation through collaborations, educational work, and creative partnerships across a wide range of musical communities.

This evolution reflects both Blake’s individual artistic direction and the growing breadth of the VOCES8 Foundation’s work worldwide, enabling him to contribute in new and flexible ways while remaining an integral part of the wider VOCES8 family.

As part of this transition, VOCES8 will begin the search for a new singer to fill the ensemble chair, with auditions and development taking place over the next six months.

Blake Morgan said: “VOCES8 has been home for a huge part of my musical life, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything we’ve built together. This new role allows me to develop my work as a composer, arranger and educator while remaining closely connected to the group and the Foundation’s mission. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Barnaby Smith, Artistic Director of VOCES8, said: “Blake has made an extraordinary contribution to VOCES8 over many years, both musically and personally. We’re excited that this new role allows him to focus even more on his creative voice as a composer and arranger, while continuing to share his experience as a performer and educator. It’s a natural evolution that opens new possibilities both for Blake and for the ensemble.”

Paul Smith, Chief Executive of the VOCES8 Foundation, said: “Blake’s new role reflects the breadth of talent that artists can bring to the Foundation beyond a traditional performance position. As an educator, creator and collaborator, he has already made a significant impact, and we look forward to seeing how this next chapter expands our work internationally.”

As part of this transition, the VOCES8 Foundation is pleased to support and promote Blake Morgan’s work as a composer, arranger and educator. Blake is available for commissions, workshops, residencies and collaborative creative projects with choirs, academic institutions and ensembles worldwide.

For enquiries, please contact:

Stay Tuned

Olivia Brown - Director

olivia@staytunedcomms.com

+44(0)7716644717

ABOUT BLAKE MORGAN

A composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and singer, Blake is an ambassador for the GRAMMY®️-nominated ensemble VOCES8 and a committed advocate for the transformative power of music.

Born and raised in Detroit, Blake launched his career in the USA as a member of the internationally acclaimed vocal ensembles Chanticleer and Cantus. In 2016, he moved across the pond to take up a position as the first American member of VOCES8, recording, teaching, and touring around the world with the ensemble for over a decade, establishing himself as a distinctive creative voice within global a cappella.

He serves as a composer and arranger for VOCES8, while he has also written for other leading ensembles, including The King’s Singers, Take 6, Lyyra, Conspirare, The US Airforce, APOLLO5, The Ringmasters, and The Manhattan Transfer with their recent GRAMMY®️-nominated album “Fifty”. His music reaches millions online and in concert halls around the globe, from the BBC Proms to Sydney Opera House, and his sheet music is available via VOCES8 Publishing, Gentry, Musica Baltica, and Blake Morgan Music (BMM).

In addition to his performing and composing work, Blake takes a creative lead in projects for the VOCES8 Foundation, contributing to international collaborations and educational initiatives. He works regularly with leading universities and colleges worldwide.

Blake loves to work with creative forces beyond the a cappella sphere, and has collaborated with artists like Sid Sriram, Lambchop, Jacob Collier, Paul Simon, and Bon Iver on several GRAMMY®️-nominated recordings. He also writes and performs original music as a solo vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, often under the monikers “Goodnight Mr Max” or “Esto”.

When not working on music, you'll likely find him in the Scottish highlands, looking for a glimpse of Nessie.

ABOUT VOCES8

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group and proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertory both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading musicians, orchestras, conductors and soloists. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos which is shared both online and in person.