Credit: Graham Lacdao
Sheffield Cathedral has appointed Tom Daggett as its new Director of Music and Schools Singing Programme.
Tom has joined us to head up our music department and to lead an ambitious new programme in which members of the department will go into classrooms, particularly in schools in more deprived communities, to give as many children as possible the opportunity to sing, and for the communities they are part of to experience the joy and flourishing that music brings.
Tom is a conductor and organist and is regarded as one of the leading musical educators in the UK. He will be returning to his county of birth after spending nine years at St Paul’s Cathedral in London where he pioneered an inspirational music partnership programme for thousands of children.
During his time at St Paul’s, Tom prioritised working with inner-city schools and communities, and founded Hackney Choral in 2014, which includes the Hackney Children’s Choir. In 2019, with support from the Mayor of London, he founded a Senior Choir for young people at risk of exclusion, which performs music spanning hundreds of years, including that by leading contemporary composers.
Following his appointment, Tom says: “I am excited to lead the musical life of Sheffield Cathedral into a bold new phase, based upon the National Schools Singing Programme, which will renew musical opportunities for schools and communities across the Diocese, release the gifts of children and teachers, and rejuvenate musical worship. I care deeply about unlocking new pathways into choristership, and the Dean and Chapter have articulated a clear and ambitious vision for music with creative breadth and energy. With historic family connections to Sheffield, and as a Yorkshireman by birth, I look forward to making new friends in the wider cathedral community and diocese.”
Dean of Sheffield, The Very Reverend Abi Thompson says: “I am delighted to announce that Tom Daggett has agreed to come and be the new Director of Music and Schools Singing Programme at Sheffield Cathedral. Tom is an outstanding teacher with enormous enthusiasm for working with children and I know he will be a gift to the young people in this city and the wider diocese. I am excited to be part of this next stage of the musical journey in Sheffield and look forward to working with partners in the National Schools Singing Programme and the Music Hub amongst others to increase the number of children learning what a joy it is to sing.”
Tom will be taking up his role at the cathedral during the summer. Any school or community group wishing to be involved in our new music programmes can email enquiries@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk.