Henry Burr from Ripon in North Yorkshire becomes the only child from northern England to join the Choir of Westminster Abbey this year

A Yorkshire family's musical dreams have come true after 10-year-old Henry Burr was accepted into the Choir of Westminster Abbey - one of the most prestigious musical positions available to young singers in the UK.

Henry's extraordinary 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 immediately spotted Henry's exceptional 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."

Acting on impulse one evening in Harrogate, shortly after her youngest son Arthur was born, Gemma decided to aim high and contacted Westminster Abbey Choir School directly. Despite initially worrying that Henry might be too old at 10 (the school typically recruits from age 8 but auditions potential choristers from around age 6), she sent the video clip to the Abbey.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Andrew Nethsingha, Organist & Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, saw the video and invited Henry for an audition the very 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. When Andrew Nethsingha gave us wristbands to tour the Abbey, I thought it was a consolation prize!"

However, Henry had impressed everyone. After passing both English and mathematics assessments, participating in a day of lessons and an overnight stay to experience chorister life, and giving an excellent account of himself in an interview with Headteacher Dr Emma Margrett, he was offered a place - the only boy from northern England to join this year.

The musical connection runs deep in the family. Gemma herself was in the very first intake of the newly formed girls' choir at Ripon Cathedral 29 years ago, under organist Kerry Beaumont's direction, making Henry's achievement particularly meaningful.

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 a world-class education.

"He's always been independent and has a strong character," says proud mum Gemma. "This feels like the perfect opportunity for him."

Westminster Abbey Choir School offers exceptional opportunities for musical 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. Bursaries of up to 100% of fees are available to support pupils from all backgrounds to take advantage of the opportunities on offer, and interested candidates do not need to have participated in formal prior training, they simply need to demonstrate a passion for music and underlying potential.

Parents or carers of a boy of the correct age who are interested to find out more about choristership at Westminster Abbey should contact ChoristerRecruitment@westminster-abbey.org. More information is available on the website: https://choirschool.westminster-abbey.org/choristership/becoming-a-chorister/