Daniel Hyde appointed Musical Director of City of London Choir
The City of London Choir has announced the appointment of Daniel Hyde as its new Musical Director and Principal Conductor, effective from September 2024.
Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge since 2019, Daniel Hyde brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A world-famous organist with an early background as a chorister at Durham Cathedral, he has directed ensembles including the BBC Singers, Britten Sinfonia, the Academy of Ancient Music, the Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Experience with UK amateur choruses includes The Bach Choir. Previous posts have included Organist and Director of Music at Saint Thomas Church, New York, Informator Choristarum at Magdalen College, Oxford, and Director of Music at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Reflecting on his appointment, Daniel Hyde commented, “I am delighted to have been invited to join the team at CLC and greatly look forward to taking the Choir beyond its 60th birthday. When I worked with CLC recently I was struck by the engaging attitude they brought to their music-making, and I hope I will be able to build on that and bring my own experience for the positive good of the group. With such a friendly and passionate group of people I hope I will be able to lead them over many years to come.”
Currently in its 60th anniversary season, the City of London Choir has earned acclaim for its exceptional performances and commitment to musical excellence. The Times described it as ‘a leader among non-professional choruses’.
“Daniel Hyde’s appointment as the CLC’s Musical Director – just the third in its history – is a pivotal moment for the choir,” said the City of London Choir’s Chairman, Daniel Mansfield. “Dan has forged a strong bond with us, and I know that his vision and expertise will enhance the choir’s passion for singing and its musical aspirations. The whole recruitment period has been inspirational and we are enormously grateful to the outstanding field of candidates with whom we’ve sung over the last few months. The choir is entering an exciting new chapter in this, its seventh decade. We are thrilled to be working with Dan on our plans for the future. ”
Daniel Hyde’s first concert as Musical Director of the City of London Choir will be a performance of Mozart’s Requiem with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in November 2024 (details announced Tuesday 16th April). Before then, he will be appearing as guest conductor in a concert at St Giles Cripplegate on Saturday 15th June.
Daniel Hyde will be the City of London Choir’s third Musical Director since its foundation in 1963, succeeding Hilary Davan Wetton who retired in 2023.
For more information about the City of London Choir and its forthcoming performances, please click here.