Alexander Turner and Susannah Hill appointed Associate Choral Director and Director of the Cathedral Singers

Alexander joins us from late January in the newly expanded role of Associate Choral Director, following the appointment of Helen Smee (formerly Director of Frideswide Voices) last August to take up a new role as Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral. Alexander will support our Organist (Director of Music) Peter Holder in the provision of choral music of the highest quality at Christ Church, with particular responsibility for the day-to-day running of Frideswide Voices.

Alexander’s musical education began through a choristership at Southwell Minster and later as an undergraduate student of Royal Holloway, University of London. Postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music included the Conducting Scholarship at Westminster Cathedral, and were preceded by posts as a Lay Clerk in the Choir of New College, Oxford, and as Assistant Manager of the BBC Singers. His present portfolio as Director of Music of All Saints’ Putney, Musical Director for a number of choirs, teacher, examiner, composer and countertenor speak to the breadth of skill Alex will bring to Christ Church.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the excellent team at Christ Church, and taking on the new role of Associate Choral Director,” said Alexander. “I am particularly looking forward to building on Helen Smee’s successes with Frideswide Voices, and working with all of Christ Church’s choirs in this special anniversary year.”

Susannah Hill joins us from February half term as the new Director of the Cathedral Singers, following Hilary Punnett’s appointment as Assistant Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral last summer. Susannah’s training as a Music Scholar at Uppingham School was further developed whilst at the University of Cambridge where she was a Choral Scholar in the Choir of Trinity College. Susannah’s portfolio career reflects her passions for community and youth music-making, and musical excellence. She is Director of Music at St Peter’s Church, London Docks, the Founder and Musical Director of Rutland Youth Choirs, and holds a position as a soprano in the Choir of The Chapels Royal, HM Tower of London. She also works regularly with the National Youth Choirs and Sing Inside, a charity that provides singing workshops in prison. Susannah is enrolled on the MMus in Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been appointed Director of the Cathedral Singers,” said Susannah. “The opportunity to be involved in the vibrant musical life of Christ Church Cathedral is a great privilege, and I look forward immensely to making music with the choir’s talented and committed members.“

The Sub Dean, the Revd Canon Peter Moger said, "Music plays a vital role within the liturgy of the Cathedral and is a core component  of our mission. Alex and Susannah will bring great strengths to our music team and we very much look forward to their contributions."

“Susannah and Alexander are first-class musicians who will bring much to the community at Christ Church,” said Peter Holder.

“They are also both delightful people, who will be inspiring and generous mentors to their respective choristers and choirs. We look forward to welcoming them!”