Alison McNeill was appointed as Musical Director of Coats Choral in the Summer of 2024, and made her Coats debut in March 2025, conducting a wonderful performance of Poulenc’s Gloria and Fauré’s Requiem at Paisley Abbey, accompanied by Glasgow Chamber Orchestra.

Alison McNeill graduated with a Masters in Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and went on to study in Spain with legendary mezzo soprano Teresa Berganza. She performed as a soprano soloist in the National Auditorium of Galicia, Ateneo in Madrid and in the foundations of composers Lorca, Manuel de Falla and Rodrigo, with scholarships from the RCS Trust and ABRSM.

In a glittering career, she has performed as a soloist all over the UK, with highlights including Verdi’s Requiem and Carmina Burana with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Scottish Opera Pop Up Tours, the opening of Scottish  Parliament, concerts in Holland, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Japan, Pakistan, Kenya, America and Mexico and has been broadcast extensively on Radio and TV. 

As a fiddler, singer and writer in the award-winning Folk Rock band Reely Jiggered – who won the 02 abc SoundWave Music competition – Alison has headlined many International Festivals. She has performed at Celtic Connections and BBC Introducing on BBC Scotland Radio and TV with Odia.

As a Conductor, Alison has studied with Christopher Bell (NYCOS), in London with Neil Ferris (BBC Singers) and received a scholarship to take part in masterclasses with orchestral conductor Gary Walker.

Alison is highly respected as a choral conductor with the Herald describing her conducting style as “succinct… commanding undivided attention.” She has extensive experience in working with choirs at the highest level, creating exciting and engaging cross artform experiences for singers and audiences alike.

Alison is Director of the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland, 100 strong Junior Choir and National Boys Choir and Director of NYCOS National Boys Choir. She is Associate Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Choruses, who regularly perform with the RSNO Orchestra, BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh International Festival.  In 2025, Alison will be head judge for Qatar School Choir of the Year competition in Doha and will perform at New York Tartan Week.