In addition, according to the BBC, Andrew Carwood will become one of the BBC Singers' two principal guest conductors, alongside Bob Chilcott. Carwood is co-founder and director of the Cardinall's Musick, a professional vocal ensemble specializing in Renaissance sacred music, particularly that of Tudor-era England; he also regularly sings tenor with the Tallis Scholars.

Outgoing BBC Singers chief conductor Stephen Cleobury becomes conductor laureate.

Hill currently holds the posts of director of the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge; musical director of the Bach Choir; chief conductor of the Southern Sinfonia; and music director of the Leeds Philharmonic Society.

Born in Carlisle and educated at Chetham's School of Music, Hill was made a fellow of the Royal College of Organists at the age of 17. His previous posts have included master of the music at Winchester Cathedral (1987 _2002), music director of the Waynflete Singers (1987 _2002), master of the music at Westminster Cathedral (1980-87, during which time he and the Cathedral Choir made some two dozen recordings for the Hyperion label), and associate conductor, then artistic director of the Philharmonia Chorus (1986 _1997).

Hill's discography of over 50 recordings covers repertoire from Thomas Tallis to John Tavener, including the Faur_ Requiem and Elgar's Dream of Gerontius. His recording of Victoria's Missa O Quam Gloriosum with the Westminster Cathedral Choir won a Gramophone Award.