Juno-nominated conductor, Andrew McAnerney, was raised in the British Choral tradition as a boy chorister at Gloucester Cathedral, England. He studied music at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, and upon graduation took a position as a professional tenor (lay clerk) at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. In Europe Andrew built a career as a conductor, consort singer, soloist, and arranger performing extensively with many of the world’s finest vocal ensembles including the Tallis Scholars, BBC Singers, and the Brabant Ensemble.
Andrew moved to Canada in 2012 and since then has guest directed ensembles including Arion Baroque Orchestra, the NAC Orchestra, Chamber Players of Canada, Elmer Iseler Singers, Elora Singers, Chœur Louisbourg, and La Rose des Vents. Andrew was appointed Artistic Director of the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal (SMAM) in 2015 and is also director of the Cantata Singers of Ottawa, and the choir of men and boys at Christ Church Cathedral. In the latter role he directed the music for the national ceremonies in honour of Prince Phillip (2021) and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (2022).
As a singer and conductor Andrew is credited on over 50 recordings including the music of Bach, Brumel, Clemens non Papa, Crequillon, Gombert, Handel, Lotti, Morales, Moulu, Mozart, Palestrina, Phinot, Purcell, and Rore. Andrew’s debut CD with SMAM, Laudate dominum, featuring music by Lassus, was released by ATMA Classique in 2017. His second CD, L’Homme armé, also released on the ATMA Classique label, was nominated for a 2022 Juno Award in the category Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble).
Andrew is passionate about musical excellence and accessibility. He regularly teaches for Canadian Amateur Musicians Musiciens Amateurs du Canada (CAMMAC) and works with children and adults of all ages to explore and make music.