Tom Hammond-Davies Named Director of Music
We are very pleased to announce that one of the world’s top choral conductors, Tom Hammond-Davies, has been named Director of Music at Saint Michael! Moving from Oxford, England, to Dallas, Hammond-Davies will assume his role on August 1.
In this role, Hammond-Davies will lead the music program as professional and volunteer singers of the choir, choristers, and cherubs share their musical gifts, leading inspiring congregational hymns and service music. They also provide anthems, worship songs, and major choral works from several choral and musical genres and periods. His extensive experience in choral conducting has positioned Hammond-Davies to continue and strengthen the excellent artistic work of the Saint Michael music ministries.
“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. I am very grateful to the Music Search Committee who dedicated months of faithful work to this good process: Andrew Grosso, Zoé Hart (Chair), Courtney Peeler, Howard Templin, and Hudson Weichsel. I can’t wait to see how our music program continues to grow!”
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Rector
“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.”
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso
Senior Associate for Discipleship
ABOUT TOM HAMMOND-DAVIES
From Dreaming Spires to Lone Star State
Tom is thrilled to bring his passion and expertise to the vibrant community at Saint Michael and All Angels in Dallas. A recognised authority in choral conducting, Tom embarked on his musical journey at the University of Oxford, later refining his craft under the mentorship of Paul Spicer at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Today, he stands among the world’s foremost choral conductors, celebrated internationally for his dynamic leadership and innovative performances.
In 2017, Tom founded the Oxford Bach Soloists (OBS) with the mission of performing the complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach chronologically and programmed in real-time. The ensemble aims to provide an authentic experience by emulating the original liturgical, ecclesiastical, instrumental, and choral settings of Bach’s music. Under Tom's leadership, the baroque ensemble and singers have performed concerts that are celebrated worldwide, capturing the hearts of both seasoned and new Bach enthusiasts while nurturing the next generation of soloists.
Recently, Tom served as the Director of Music at Wadham College, Oxford, known for its strong musical tradition, particularly through the Holywell Music Room, the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Europe, and Wadham’s highly regarded chapel choir.
Tom is also a professional countertenor, notably with the Choir of New College Oxford, and has appeared in many of the major venues across the world, including at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
Off the podium, Tom’s life story is as rich and diverse as his musical career. Born in London to British-American parents, Tom’s early years were shaped as a chorister by the choral and organ traditions of London and a Benedictine school in Sussex. This eclectic background laid the foundation for an ecumenical outlook that blends the traditions of Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and a scholarly passion for Bach’s Lutheran legacy.
Driven by a profound sense of vocation, Tom felt a call to serve at Saint Michael and All Angels after two decades in Oxford—a city known for its dreaming spires and scholarly excellence. Ready for a new chapter, he was drawn to the bold spirit and warm community of Dallas and is overjoyed to reconnect with family and friends here.
Outside the concert hall and church, Tom cherishes time spent with his husband, Paull (sic), and their border collie, Meg, exploring the outdoors. An avid cook, Tom delights in hosting gatherings that bring friends together over fine food and wine, celebrating life’s joys with laughter and good company.
Tom is excited to contribute to the vibrant community of Saint Michael and All Angels and looks forward to making music that inspires, uplifts, and brings people together.
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