The Purcell School, the UK’s oldest specialist music school, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Daniel Fardon as Head of Composition and Contemporary Music, effective September 2026. Daniel will succeed Alison Cox, who retires at the end of the 2025-26 academic year after nearly four decades of exceptional service to the School.
Currently a teacher of composition at The Purcell School, Daniel Fardon is an internationally respected British composer, educator and arts leader with an illustrious and award-winning career. His appointment represents an exciting and natural progression, combining continuity within the department with a distinctive and ambitious artistic vision.
Daniel’s music has been recognised with both an Ivor Novello Award and the Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize, featured on BBC Radio 3 and commissioned by leading ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the Carducci Quartet. In 2025, the London Symphony Orchestra released his orchestral work Flux. His music has been performed at world-class venues such as Wigmore Hall and at major festivals including Cheltenham.
Alongside his compositional career, Daniel is deeply committed to education. Prior to joining The Purcell School, he lectured in composition at the University of Birmingham and holds a PhD in Composition. He is also Artistic Director of Hackney Music Live, a charity dedicated to presenting world-class musicians in East London, and regularly works as a mentor, adjudicator and creative lead on national initiatives, including Young Sounds UK.
Paul Bambrough, Principal of The Purcell School, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have appointed Dr Fardon as our new Head of Composition and Contemporary Music. During a very rigorous and demanding interview, he presented an exciting and dynamic vision for the future of creativity within the school and his commitment to interdisciplinary work was particularly inspiring. As an existing member of staff, Daniel is widely respected by both colleagues and students who I know will be delighted by this news. The interview panel was unanimous in its view that, under Daniel‘s leadership, The Purcell School will continue to be the leading institution for the training of young composers for many years to come.”
Dr Daniel Fardon said: “The Purcell School has an extraordinary legacy of nurturing young musicians. I am deeply honoured to take up the post of Head of Composition and Contemporary Music in the Curriculum, and committed to developing a world-class, forward-looking department that enables every student to thrive.”
The School also warmly acknowledges the outstanding contribution of Alison Cox, whose leadership as Head of Composition has shaped generations of young composers. Alison leaves an extraordinary legacy, which will be carried forward with confidence under Daniel’s leadership.
The Purcell School looks forward to this exciting new chapter for the Composition Department and to welcoming Daniel Fardon into his new role from September 2026.
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