"I am delighted and honoured," Hill told Gramophone. "[The BBC Singers] is a group of exceptionally gifted musicians respected the world over and I am looking forward to working more closely with them over the coming months and years."

Hill has been director of the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, since 2003; he will step down at the end of this academic year. Gramophone quotes him as saying that it was a "difficult decision" to leave but an appropriate one, given his new post and existing commitments, which include being musical director of The Bach Choir, one of London's most storied amateur ensembles.

Hill was born in Carlisle and educated at Chetham's School of Music; he 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; musical director of the Alexandra Choir (1980-87) and associate conductor and then artistic director of the Philharmonia Chorus (1986-1997).

His discography of over 50 recordings, mostly with the Westminster Cathedral Choir, covers repertoire from Thomas Tallis to John Tavener. His recording of Victoria's Missa O Quam Gloriosum won a Gramophone Award.