Dallas-based Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (“Saint Michael”) is pleased to announce that one of the world’s top choral conductors, Tom Hammond-Davies, has been named Director of Music. Moving from Oxford, England, to Dallas, Hammond-Davies will assume his role 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,” said the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector of Saint Michael. “I am very grateful to the Music Search Commitee 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 applied for this important position, and after a comprehensive search, Hammond-Davies was selected as the right fit to expand music ministries at Saint Michael.
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.
“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,” said the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, Senior Associate for Discipleship.
A recognized authority in choral conducting, Hammond-Davies 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, Hammond-Davies founded the Oxford Bach Soloists (OBS) with the mission of performing the complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach chronologically and programmed in real time. Under his 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, Hammond-Davies 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.
Hammond-Davies 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.
Driven by a profound sense of vocation, Tom felt a call to serve at Saint Michael after two decades in Oxford—a city known 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 said. “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.”
Outside the concert hall and church, Hammond-Davies cherishes the time he spends with his husband, Paull (sic), and their border collie, Meg, exploring the outdoors. As an avid cook, he delights in hosting gatherings that bring friends together over fine food and wine, celebrating life’s joys with laughter and good company.
About Saint Michael:
Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Dallas, Texas, is a vibrant and welcoming community where people from all walks of life come together to pursue Christ and support one another. Offering a blend of traditional and contemporary worship services, Saint Michael invites both newcomers to Episcopal worship and long-time Episcopalians to join in fellowship. Here, you’ll discover a place to belong, make friends, and engage in personal and spiritual growth. With a rich history dating back to 1945, Saint Michael has grown to become one of the largest Episcopal parishes in the United States, serving approximately 6,000 communicants in Dallas and beyond. As a member parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Saint Michael is part of The Episcopal Church.
By: Meredith Turner, Director of Communications – Saint Micheal and All Angels Episcopal Church
