Ripon boy wins bursary to join Westminster Abbey choir

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A 10-year-old boy from Ripon has been accepted into the choir of Westminster Abbey — one of the most prestigious musical positions available to young singers in the UK.

Henry Burr’s journey began when his mother Gemma Ryder-Burr shared a video of her son singing with friends from her local choir, the Yorkshire Decibelles. 

The group spotted Henry's talent and encouraged Gemma to explore choir school opportunities.

"I have four boys - William, Henry, Richard and Arthur - and as a family we hadn't really thought about choir schools until my choir friends convinced me to look into it," said Gemma. "They mentioned there could be bursaries available, which opened up possibilities we hadn't considered."

Gemma contacted Westminster Abbey Choir School directly. Despite worrying that Henry might be too old at 10 — the school typically recruits from age eight but auditions potential choristers from around age six — she sent the video clip to the abbey.

Andrew Nethsingha, organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, saw the video and invited Henry for an audition the next morning.

"It was quite surreal," recalls Gemma. "Henry sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow for his audition and had to do sight-reading and rhythm exercises.”

After passing English and mathematics assessments, participating in a day of lessons and an overnight stay to experience chorister life, he was offered a place — the only boy from northern England to join this year.

Ripon Cathedral

The musical connection runs in the family: Gemma was in the first intake of the newly formed girls' choir at Ripon Cathedral 29 years ago, under organist Kerry Beaumont's direction.

Henry, who has already achieved Grade 4 singing with distinction, begins his new adventure this Sunday when he reports to Westminster Abbey at 5pm. As a chorister, he'll participate in daily services, state occasions, and broadcasts reaching audiences worldwide whilst receiving an education.

Westminster Abbey Choir School offers opportunities for boys aged 8-13 to live and study in the grounds of the abbey itself. It is the only school in the Anglican communion in the world which solely educates choristers.

Pupils are supported to learn two musical instruments in addition to their singing, and leave the Abbey to go to some of the best senior schools in the world.