Daniel Hyde, music director
Daniel Hyde has been Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge since 2019. As well as directing the world-famous choir in daily services, he regularly conducts concerts and broadcasts at home and abroad. Born in the UK, schooled as a chorister at Durham Cathedral, he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists at the age of 17 and won the organ scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge; upon graduation he took up the position of Director of Music at Jesus College, Cambridge. In 2009, he became Informator Choristarum at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was also an Associate Professor. In 2016 Daniel became Organist and Director of Music at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. In September 2024 he became Musical Director of City of London Choir, alongside his commitments at King’s.
As a conductor, Daniel has worked with many of the world’s leading ensembles including the BBC Singers, The Tallis Scholars, the London Bach Choir, Britten Sinfonia, Philharmonia Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Orchestra of St Luke’s and New York Baroque Incorporated.
As an organist, he has performed throughout the world. Regular appearances include at the BBC Proms including his solo debut performing Bach’s Canonic Variations at the organ of the Royal Albert Hall in 2010. In 2021 he was concerto soloist at the First Night of the Proms. As an ensemble player he has appeared extensively with the likes of Phantasm, the Britten Sinfonia, The Tallis Scholars, Aurora Orchestra, and Gabrieli Consort. Daniel’s varied discography can be found on the King’s, Opus Arte, Linn, Naxos, EMI and Priory labels.
The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
Founded in the 15th century, the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge is undoubtedly one of the world’s best known choral groups. Every Christmas Eve millions of people worldwide tune into A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a service that has been broadcast almost every year by the BBC since 1928. The Choir owes its existence to King Henry VI, who envisaged the daily singing of services in the magnificent college chapel. Singing daily services remains an important part of the lives of the choristers, who are educated at King’s College School, and the choral scholars and organ scholars, who study a variety of subjects at the University of Cambridge. The Choir has produced numerous professional singers including James Gilchrist, Christopher Purves and Gerald Finley. The Choir’s worldwide fame and reputation, enhanced by its many recordings, has led to invitations to perform around the globe, and to an extensive international touring schedule.
