Hilary Punnett Appointed Assistant Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral

In her new role, Hilary will work alongside St Paul’s Director of Music, Andrew Carwood, at a moment of significant expansion for their music with as their Girls’ Voices Programme enters its second year. From September 2025, St Pauls will have full equality of provision for two top lines of trebles, one of girls and one of boys, working separately but coming together for important or historic services and events.

Hilary joined the Christ Church Cathedral music team in October 2022 as Director of the Cathedral Singers, an auditioned choir drawn from a group of over 90 volunteers who sing for around one hundred Cathedral services a year. Her tenure has included a memorable and successful set of 40th anniversary celebrations for the group, involving a series of new commissions featured on a new album which will be released next month. Hilary has also held roles as an organist and conductor at the Cathedrals of Chelmsford, Lincoln and Christ Church, Montreal.

 "I am truly delighted to be joining the music team at St Paul’s, especially at such a historic moment in the Cathedral’s remarkable musical legacy,” said Hilary.

“Under the outstanding leadership of Andrew Carwood, the choir is in top form, and I am excited to work with him and the entire music and liturgy team to serve the Cathedral’s worship. I am looking forward to being part of the fruition of the Girls’ Voices Project, as the cathedral welcomes many new young people in September to the inspiring and life-changing journey of choristership."

Andrew Carwood MBE, Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, commented:

“We are all thrilled by the appointment of Hilary and greatly look forward to her arrival. This is another important milestone as we establish our fully equal choral programme for both boys and girls – a progamme based on excellence, high standards and great repertoire whilst at the same time prioritising the care and nurturing of these talented young people.”

Peter Holder, Organist of Christ Church, added:

“St Paul’s Cathedral have made a wonderful appointment in Hilary, who will be much missed at Christ Church. The Girls’ Voices programme that is central to Hilary’s prestigious new role as Assistant Director of Music will be greatly enriched by the musical gifts that she has shared throughout her work with the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church; we look forward to seeing her flourish at St Paul's!”

This is a tremendously exciting appointment for Hilary, and she goes with our gratitude and best wishes for all she has done for music at Christ Church.

(Picture credit: Graham Lacdao / St Paul’s Cathedral)