BIOGRAPHY
Daniel Woodfield is a multi-instrumentalist, musical director, and passionate advocate for Cornish heritage music.
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He is currently completing a PhD in Ethnomusicology at SOAS University of London with the working title of "Strengthening the systems and pathways that sustain Cornish music and dance as living heritage".
Daniel plays a central role in Cornwall’s cultural life through his work with Lowender CIO, where he leads Youth Engagement and Talent Development. His projects include directing the Cornwall Youth Folk Ensemble and coordinating music and dance workshops in over 40 schools for St. Piran’s Day 2025.
A graduate of LCCM (BMus Hons), Daniel began his career as a professional saxophonist in the jazz and world music scenes. His work earned a JazzFM Track of the Week in 2023 and collaborations with artists such as Nyoh, Joe Armon-Jones, Noga Ritter, and ensembles like MIMIKA Orchestra and Oxford Maqam Big Band.
Deeply committed to community and inclusion, Daniel curates live music events—from folk sessions to open mics—and has founded creative participatory projects including Queer Folk Club (IntoBodmin) and the Kernow Bedroom Choir, which won him two Gorsedh Kernow awards for outstanding contribution to Cornish culture.
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​A versatile and dynamic performer, Daniel has recently collaborated with leading folk artists including Bagas Fellion, Detta Kenzie, and Will Keating, and launched Hireth—a critically acclaimed four-part harmony group singing in the Cornish language.
He has held artist residencies at Brisons Veor (Cape Cornwall), AMATA Arts Centre, and is an alumnus of the Endelienta Cornish Language Residency. Now concluding research into traditional Cornish music and dance, Daniel is expanding into music production and sound engineering to further support and innovate within his artistic practice.