Originally from London, she has performed as guest principal with many of the UK’s major ensembles
Eleanor performs with the BSO this summer ahead of the Orchestra’s upcoming concert season – which returns to Lighthouse, Poole from Wednesday 30 September
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcomes Eleanor Blakeney to the role of Principal Horn ahead of its 2026/27 concert season.
Eleanor comes to the BSO directly from the prestigious Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in Canada, where she worked for a year alongside Alex Wide, former BSO Principal Horn. She has performed as guest principal in many of the UK’s major ensembles, including the BBC Symphony, Philharmonia, Britten Sinfonia and RTÉ National Symphony orchestras.
Eleanor graduated with distinction for her master’s degree from the Royal Academy of Music in 2023, where she studied with Kira Doherty, Martin Owen, David Pyatt, Michael Thompson and Richard Watkins, and was a recipient of a Countess of Munster Musical Trust Award.
Eleanor said: “It still feels totally surreal to be named BSO Principal Horn. It was my first professional trial, and I’m so grateful to the Orchestra for trusting me and giving me endless opportunities to play challenging repertoire and take risks.
“The BSO is one of the most supportive and friendly groups that I’ve worked with, and I’m honoured to be joining such a wonderful group of people and musicians.”
Eleanor, originally from London, has been living in Vancouver for the last 10 months and says relocating to Poole will enable her to travel to the concert hall by bike rather than by underground train.
She said there had been many highlights during her trial with the BSO that led to the job offer, including leading the horn section in Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, with its famous horn obligato part, which was described as “magnificently delivered” by Seen & Heard International.
Eleanor added: “During the trial, I loved playing Walton’s First Symphony in the BSO’s televised BBC Proms performance last year at the Royal Albert Hall. I’d grown up going to Proms throughout my teens so that one really meant a lot to me.
“I’m looking forward to our BBC Proms performance at Bristol Beacon in August, and of course our season opener at Lighthouse, Poole in September – a symphonic arrangement of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, which is going to be amazing.”
Dougie Scarfe OBE, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Eleanor to the role of Principal Horn at the BSO. She is an exceptional talent and has wowed both audiences and musicians alike throughout her trial, most notably with an impressive performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony last season.
“The BSO is a world-class orchestra and touring ensemble, which shares music with audiences throughout the South West of England. We can’t wait to welcome you to our upcoming performances with Eleanor in the role – you’re in for a treat.”
The ever-popular BSO Pops series returns to Meyrick Park, Bournemouth from Friday 7 August. Sponsored by Lester Aldridge Solicitors and supported by BCP Council, the al fresco events feature two distinctly different themes – symphonic and movie classics followed by smash hits of the 1990s.
Details of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s 2026/27 season are now available. Highlights include the launch of a two-year Beethoven series, the arrival of Grammy-award winning Thomas Adès as ‘Celebrated Composer’ and Gramophone award-winning pianist Boris Giltburg as Artist-in-Residence – plus, the arrival of new Calleva Assistant Conductor, Michal Oren.
See bsolive.com for full details.
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