Virginia Taylor Grabovsky to join VOCES8 as soprano
American soprano Virginia Taylor Grabovsky is to join VOCES8 from July 2026, following auditions held earlier this year.
Grabovsky will replace Eleonora Poignant, who gives her final performance with the group in Graz, Austria, on 29 June, ahead of a farewell concert at the VOCES8 International Summer Festival at Milton Abbey on 28 July.
Grabovsky is expected to make her VOCES8 debut in Québec, Canada, as part of the ensemble’s North America tour, before returning to the UK for appearances around the country. Both Poignant and Grabovsky will appear at the VOCES8 International Summer School and Festival.
Speaking about her appointment, Grabovsky said, ‘Ever since I was a young chorister, VOCES8 has been one of my biggest musical inspirations. Joining the group now feels truly surreal.
‘I’ve always dreamed of making music with artists who inspire me not only musically, but personally as well, and I truly can’t imagine a better group to do that with. I’m especially looking forward to connecting with audiences around the world and sharing the joy that music has given me throughout my life.’
Barnaby Smith, Artistic Director of VOCES8 and The VOCES8 Foundation, said the group was ‘absolutely delighted’ to welcome Grabovsky.
‘From the very first phrase she sang in her audition, we were immediately moved by the beauty, honesty, and innate musicianship of her singing,’ he said. ‘There is something unmistakably special in her sound, and a natural connection to the way we make music together.’
Grabovsky discovered choral singing through the Elm City Girls’ Choir and the United Choir School in New Haven, Connecticut. She later sang with choirs at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and as a choral scholar at several Episcopal churches.
Her performance experience includes work with ensembles and festivals across the United States, including the Amherst Early Music Festival, Duke University Chapel Chorworks and Spoleto Festival USA. She will continue her music studies while based in the UK for her new role with VOCES8.