Taking up the position from August 2025, just one month after graduating from the Academy, Hilary will work alongside St Paul’s Director of Music, Andrew Carwood, to deliver the world-class music programme at St Paul’s.
Hilary’s appointment comes at an exciting time in the Cathedral’s history, which is at a moment of significant expansion. Last year, St Paul’s introduced girls into its choir for the first time in its 900-year history. Through the ambitious Girls’ Voices Programme, the Cathedral is aiming to create the world’s largest and busiest choral programme, with two top lines: one of girls and one of boys, working separately but coming together for various important or historic services and events.
Hilary has spent the past 20 years working as a conductor and organist across England and Canada, including at the cathedrals of Christ Church Oxford, Chelmsford and Lincoln. Her experience as a conductor extends from professional to amateur and from young choristers through to adult choirs. She holds a Master of Music in Organ Performance from McGill University in Montreal and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.
On her appointment, Hilary said:
'I am delighted to be joining the music team at St Paul's Cathedral, especially at such a historic moment in the cathedral's remarkable musical timeline, as they welcome a significant cohort of girl choristers in September as part of the fruition of the Girls' Voices Programme. Under the leadership of Andrew Carwood the choir is in top form, and I am excited to work with him and all the musicians, among whom are several Academy graduates.
'My time studying at the Academy has been truly inspiring and has broadened my horizons significantly as a musician. The excellence in teaching on the Choral Conducting course has helped my confidence, proficiency and flexibility, and I know that the skills I have gained during my time here will continue to inform my work as I begin my new role. I have also found friendship, encouragement and inspiration from my fellow students, which I'm certain will stay with me long past my time at the Academy.'
The Academy would like to congratulate Hilary on her significant new role.
