.svg)
.svg)
Eleanor Berry’s journey as a choral singer and cantor has taken her from school stages in the UK to some of Europe’s most renowned cathedrals. In a recent conversation, she reflected candidly on the mentors who encouraged her, the challenges she overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped her musical career.
Eleanor’s love of singing began early. “I was in choir from maybe Year Two, so pretty early on. I took singing lessons from Year Seven,” she recalls. A defining moment came in Year Six: “I was chosen to sing the solo for the junior school carols and when I got it, I was like, ‘Wow, this feels great.’”
School productions offered another creative outlet. “We did a musical in the autumn term – a crazy woman who baked people into pies in Sweeney Todd – and then we did Me and My Girl. I was, sadly, a less crazy woman, but it was still great fun,” she laughs. Beyond performance, these experiences helped her build lasting friendships. “I could make friends with people who weren’t necessarily in my classes through plays and music, and some of those people are still my friends… they’re some of the strongest friendships I made at school.”
Mentorship played a crucial role in nurturing her talent. She credits her choirmaster with guiding her passion: “He supported me through applying for my scholarship. He was my accompanist for all my singing exams… I owe everything to him.” Her drama teacher also helped her grow as both a singer and an actor. Reflecting on that support, Eleanor says, “Whenever we repeat the music we did at school in my professional life, I hold that in great, great affection.”
Eleanor went on to study History at the University of Cambridge. Balancing academic work with a demanding choral schedule, she explains, “It was always Oxford or Cambridge because they were the best for me… but eventually I chose Cambridge because I preferred the history course. It’s broader – you can choose papers from 700 BC to the present day.”
Her first taste of Cambridge’s choral culture came earlier, at a summer course. Surrounded by singers who seemed far more familiar with the traditions and repertoire she became acutely aware of how much she still had to learn. Rather than discouraging her, it strengthened her motivation: “I know that I love doing this, but I’m way behind – so I have to get better.”
At Cambridge, she learned important lessons about balance and self–awareness. “The commitment at Emmanuel was quite high. In my third year, when my studies were ramping up, I decided I couldn’t commit anymore. So I said, ‘Thank you for your time, I’m going to resign my volunteership and apply to other choirs.’ And it worked out well.” She ultimately graduated with a first-class degree – something she believes might not have happened without that difficult decision.
After university, Eleanor built her career through practical experience. A year at Carlisle Cathedral gave her valuable hands-on exposure to organ music and cathedral choir life.
She later moved to London, working as a cantor while balancing voluntary and paid engagements, before relocating to Budapest. Along the way, she learned the importance of professional reputation and networks. “Once you get to a certain point… they won’t need you to audition. You can just come straight in. That shows the benefit of having a good CV.”
Eleanor has performed in venues all over the country with strikingly different acoustics. At St Paul’s Church on Victoria Road, she explains that the “dampened” acoustic of a smaller space presents its own set of hurdles: “It’s a beautiful setting, but you really have to project your voice and turn to face the audience as you sing – otherwise, the sound just doesn’t carry.” However, the venue has its perks; it houses a nationally recognised Arthur Hill organ, often cited as one of the finest parish church organs in the country.
By contrast, King’s College, Cambridge presents the opposite challenge. “It’s got one of the longest echoes in Europe, so you have to speak very slowly and leave a pause after every sentence so people can understand you.” Still, she finds magic in the resonance: “I’d rather have the echo… listening to an eight-second resonance after you’ve finished singing – that’s quite special.”
Eleanor’s journey has taught her to trust her instincts and prioritise her wellbeing. “One thing I learned is that you can walk away. Some choirs are known for having excessively strict choirmasters, and if you find you can’t quite deal with that, it’s ok – you can find something else.”
She also emphasises the realities of a musical career. “You can’t expect to do music as a career unless you’re really good, and almost every singer I know has a side job. For me, I do tutoring.” Passion, she says, is essential: “Make sure you love what you’re doing, because you won’t be living a life of luxury. You need to love it as compensation.”
Performance, too, demands emotional depth. “When I’m singing religious choral music, you have to put that emotion into how you sing it. There are prayers crying out for help and mercy in times of deep sorrow and distress, and you, as a singer, have to imagine that space.”
Now based in Budapest, Eleanor continues to balance professional singing with tutoring whilst picking up new languages. She is looking forward to upcoming performances of works by John Dowland, Dieterich Buxtehude, and Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion, as well as recording projects and a forthcoming CD release.
“It’s great, I really am living the life,” she says – a simple phrase that captures the joy, resilience, and fulfilment that have defined her journey.
Many thanks to Eleanor Berry for opening up about her journey. It’s fabulous to see that your school-day passions are still driving you forward today! We’re rooting for you and can’t wait to see what’s next.
Newcastle under Lyme School’s youngest pupils have raised over £5000 for Cancer Research UK by completing a sponsored walk ‘from’ Newcastle-under-Lyme to Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia.
Louis Bond: “The site of the camp was much larger than I had ever expected. Much of the camp was destroyed, but there were the cabin like structures at the front of the complex which were tiny in comparison to the number of people who were forced to stay in them. At the rear of the
Mount Pleasant, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1DB
.svg)
.svg)
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive latest news
.svg)