Eleanor Blakeney has been appointed Principal Horn at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra ahead of its new season.
The London born musician joins from Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in Canada and has also appeared as guest principal with ensembles including the BBC Symphony, Philharmonia, Britten Sinfonia and RTÉ National Symphony orchestras.
Blakeney said it felt “totally surreal” to secure the position after her first professional trial, during which she led the horn section in Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and performed with the BSO at the BBC Proms.
She said the orchestra was among the most supportive groups she had worked with, adding that moving to Poole would allow her to cycle to Lighthouse rather than travel by underground train.
Blakeney will perform with the orchestra this summer before its 2026/27 concert season begins at Lighthouse, Poole on 30 September with a symphonic arrangement of Wagner’s Ring Cycle opening the programme.
She is also preparing for the BSO’s BBC Proms appearance at Bristol Beacon in August, while the orchestra’s Pops series returns to Meyrick Park, Bournemouth for 2 themed concerts from 7 August.
