Following the interviews at the end of May, we are delighted to announce that we have appointed Thomas Coxhead to be our new Cathedral Director of Music. Tom is currently Director of Music at Christ Church, East Sheen in South West London alongside a busy schedule of work as a freelance conductor, organist, and teacher. He has previously held posts as Assistant Organist at Ripon and Brecon cathedrals, Ampleforth College and also taught at Harrogate Ladies’ College.

 Tom began his musical career as a chorister at Chester Cathedral and went on to study music at Durham University. He has a Research Master of Arts in Musicology and was recently awarded a Master of Music in Choral Conducting with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music. He has a Licentiate, or professional diploma, from the Royal Academy of Music and is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists.

 Tom frequently edits and arranges music, as well as maintaining his academic profile researching twentieth century British composers – particularly Kenneth Leighton. He occasionally composes, and his anthem, written with his sister Elizabeth, ‘My eyes for beauty pine’, was sung at the Royal Maundy service in 2023 at York Minster.

 In his spare time, Tom enjoys hiking and walking, is a keen amateur artist, and likes cooking – particularly enjoying good food with company to match.

 Tom was the unanimous choice of the panel and the clear favourite of the choir after leading rehearsals with them as part of the interview process. He is passionate about the role of music within the liturgy.

 Tom will take up the appointment at the beginning of September, at the start of the new choir year.

 Commenting on the appointment, the Dean, Very Revd Ian Black said: “I am delighted that Tom has accepted the role of Director of Music. He will build on the tremendous work of Emma Gibbins, taking the choir and music of the Cathedral forward. We are looking forward to welcoming him to Newport.”

 Tom said, “I am really looking forward to taking up the position of Director of Music at Newport Cathedral. I greatly enjoyed working with the choir in the audition process and I am excited to lead the music at the Cathedral working alongside my new colleagues. It’s clear to me that Emma Gibbins has done so much to build up the music at Newport and I hope to be able to continue the great work she has achieved.”

Music forms an important part of the life of Newport Cathedral. The Cathedral choir consists of three separate groups of singers: 16 boy choristers (aged 7 – 13), 20 girl choristers (aged 7 – 15) and the adults, providing the alto, tenor and bass parts. The Girls’ Choir was launched in 2015. The choir sings at Sunday services: Sung Eucharist and Choral Evensong and at Evensong on a Wednesday, as well as at other special services throughout the year. A wide range of repertoire is sung, from the 17th Century to the 21st Century.

As well as singing at the Cathedral, the choir is often invited to sing at other churches locally and further afield and there are regular summer tours. Recently the boys and adults have sung in St David’s Cathedral and the girls and adults sang in Chester Cathedral this summer.