Alum Eleanor Blakeney joins Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as Principal Horn
News Story
Just three years after her graduation from the Academy, Eleanor Blakeney has been appointed as Principal Horn by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), after her first professional trial.
Since her graduation in 2023, Eleanor has performed as guest principal in many of the UK’s major orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, London Philharmonic Orchestra and RTÉ National Symphony orchestras. As a chamber musician, Eleanor has appeared as a guest with leading ensembles such as with Ensemble Renard and Britten Sinfonia. She joins the BSO from Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where she has spent the last 10 months.
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. I’m honoured to be joining such a wonderful group of people and musicians.
Eleanor will perform with the BSO at the BBC Proms this summer, ahead of joining for the 2026/27 concert season. She joins fellow brass alumni Stuart Beard (Principal Tuba), Paul Bosworth (Principal Trumpet) and Kevin Pritchard (Fourth Horn). Also joining for the 2026/27 concert season is alum Michal Oren, the orchestra’s new Calleva Assistant Conductor.
The Academy offers congratulations to Eleanor and wishes her luck in the next step in her career.