Hertford appoints first Director of Music
Hertford appoints first Director of Music
15 June 2023
Hertford is delighted to announce the appointment of choral conductor and organist Hannah Towndrow to the role of Director of Music of Hertford College Chapel. Hannah is a Hertford alumna, having read Music at Hertford before studying at the Royal Academy of Music from where she graduated with a distinction in choral conducting (MA). Hannah is currently Director of Music at St Andrew’s Church, Sonning; Musical Director of Antiphon Chamber Choir; Musical Director of the Reading Lunchtime Choir; Resident Organist of Laurelin Voices; Musical Director of the Glass Ensemble in Twyford and works as a choral conductor and organist on a freelance basis. Hannah’s full biography is available here: https://www.hannahtowndrow.com/about
Hannah’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for chapel music. College has a proud history of organ scholars serving as choral directors, as Hannah did herself, and we will continue to build and support budding organists and conductors under the Director of Music. From 2023, Hannah will develop the already strong musical tradition, refining the choral sound and continuing to enrich the worship and musical standards of chapel.
Hannah says: “following a year as Choral Advisor at Hertford, I am hugely excited to be starting as the new Director of Music in Chapel. Hertford is known for its rich array of musical activity and I am greatly looking forward to nurturing this in my new role. I am thoroughly optimistic for the future of the chapel choir and will be committed to upholding the highest standards of music-making whilst maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the choir.”