Dallas-based Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (“Saint Michael”) is happy to announce that one of many world’s prime choral conductors, Tom Hammond-Davies, has been named Director of Music. Transferring from Oxford, England, to Dallas, Hammond-Davies will assume his function on August 1.
“Tom brings 20 years of experience as a choral conductor, organist, and administrator to the newly expanded role of Director of Music, and I believe he is a wonderful fit for Saint Michael,” stated the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector of Saint Michael. “I am very grateful to the Music Search Committee who dedicated months of faithful work to this good process: Andrew Grosso, Zoe Hart (Chair), Courtney Peeler, Howard Templin, and Hudson Weichsel. I can’t wait to see how our music program continues to grow!” Girata added.
Thirty candidates utilized for this essential place, and after a complete search, Hammond-Davies was chosen as the fitting match to develop music ministries at Saint Michael.
On this function, Hammond-Davies will lead the music program as skilled and volunteer singers of the choir, choristers, and cherubs share their musical presents, main inspiring congregational hymns and repair music. Additionally they present anthems, worship songs, and main choral works from a number of choral and musical genres and intervals. His intensive expertise in choral conducting has positioned Hammond-Davies to proceed and strengthen the superb creative work of the Saint Michael music ministries.
“Over the last several years, the music ministries at Saint Michael have grown in significant ways: the traditional music choir, the choristers and cherub choirs, and contemporary worship band have all made important advancements. Tom joins a strong team of volunteer and professional musicians, and we anticipate his experience and vision will help develop our music ministries even more,” stated the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, Senior Affiliate for Discipleship.
A acknowledged authority in choral conducting, Hammond-Davies launched into his musical journey on the College of Oxford, later refining his craft below the mentorship of Paul Spicer on the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Right this moment, he stands among the many world’s foremost choral conductors, celebrated internationally for his dynamic management and revolutionary performances.
In 2017, Hammond-Davies based the Oxford Bach Soloists (OBS) with the mission of performing the whole works of Johann Sebastian Bach chronologically and programmed in actual time. Beneath his management, the baroque ensemble and singers have carried out concert events which are celebrated worldwide, capturing the hearts of each seasoned and new Bach fans whereas nurturing the following era of soloists.
Lately, Hammond-Davies served because the Director of Music at Wadham Faculty, Oxford, recognized for its sturdy musical custom, significantly by way of the Holywell Music Room, the oldest purpose-built live performance corridor in Europe, and Wadham’s extremely regarded chapel choir.
Hammond-Davies can be an expert countertenor, notably with the Choir of New Faculty Oxford, and has appeared in most of the main venues the world over, together with on the BBC Proms on the Royal Albert Corridor and the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican.
Pushed by a profound sense of vocation, Tom felt a name to serve at Saint Michael after 20 years in Oxford—a metropolis recognized for its dreaming spires and scholarly excellence.
“I am excited to contribute to the vibrant community of Saint Michael and All Angels and look forward to making music that inspires, uplifts, and brings people together,” Hammond-Davies stated. “I am ready for a new chapter and drawn to the bold spirit and warm community of Dallas. I am overjoyed to reconnect with family and friends here.”
Outdoors the live performance corridor and church, Hammond-Davies cherishes the time he spends along with his husband, Paull (sic), and their border collie, Meg, exploring the outside. As an avid cook dinner, he delights in internet hosting gatherings that deliver pals collectively over high quality meals and wine, celebrating life’s joys with laughter and good firm.
About Saint Michael:
Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Dallas, Texas, is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood the place individuals from all walks of life come collectively to pursue Christ and help each other. Providing a mix of conventional and modern worship providers, Saint Michael invitations each newcomers to Episcopal worship and long-time Episcopalians to hitch in fellowship. Right here, you’ll uncover a spot to belong, make pals, and interact in private and religious development. With a wealthy historical past courting again to 1945, Saint Michael has grown to develop into one of many largest Episcopal parishes in the USA, serving roughly 6,000 communicants in Dallas and past. As a member parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Saint Michael is a part of The Episcopal Church.
“Well bless their hearts.”
