The Rector, Wardens and Vestry of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue announce that Daniel Hyde has been called back to the United Kingdom to succeed Stephen Cleobury as Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge, under whose tutelage he studied as an organ scholar from 2000-2003. This is a prestigious appointment; The Choir of King’s College was founded by King Henry VI in 1441 but, remarkably, since 1799, Daniel will be only the ninth person to hold that title.
Daniel was called to Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue after an extensive search following the sudden death of John Scott. Since his arrival, he has rebuilt the choir, made huge advances in the concert series, and overseen the building of the Miller-Scott Organ.
This is a bittersweet day for Saint Thomas Church; when we appointed Daniel, the search committee was very much aware that Stephen Cleobury would be retiring in 2019 and that Daniel would be among those considered talented enough to succeed him. Nevertheless, Daniel has worked incredibly hard for our beloved church and its amazing Choir School over these past two years and we are delighted for him and for King’s College, Cambridge; our loss is definitely their gain and Daniel will always have a special place in our hearts here.
Because Daniel will not take up this appointment until 2019, he will see the completion of the Miller-Scott Organ in New York and begin the centenary celebrations of the Choir School before handing over to his successor.
A message from Daniel to the parish: “I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at Saint Thomas and it has been a tough decision to take up the offer from King’s to return to my alma mater and succeed Stephen Cleobury as guardian and steward of the world-class King’s College Choir. However, I shall continue to put my all into Saint Thomas, my colleagues, and the Parish over this next year. When the time comes, it will be hard to leave many wonderful people and the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue. Cambridge will provide other challenges, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to return to King’s and to play a part in nurturing the minds of many future generations of choristers and students within the University. It will certainly be a challenge, and I shall relish the opportunity.”
Daniel will be leaving Saint Thomas Church sometime after Easter, 2019 and there will be an occasion for the parish to show its appreciation before then.
