Beryl Pankhurst

Beryl Pankhurst was born and educated in Liverpool,
and after a brief career in banking, she took up a place at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where she studied piano, organ and accompaniment. Having obtained the GRSM Diploma with Recital Endorsement, ARMCM with Distinction, and the Pinson Prize for Bach playing, she moved to Harrogate to a teaching post and has lived here ever since.

Although Beryl has performed as a soloist on many occasions, her main passion is in accompanying. She has been the official accompanist for the Harrogate Choral Society for more than thirty years, during which time she has taken part in many of their performances, including Carmina Burana, Rio Grande, Petite Messe Solennelle, Messiah, African Sanctus and The Armed Man. She is also currently the accompanist for Knaresborough Choral Society, and plays for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

Her extensive career includes playing for many distinguished soloists and she works regularly with members of Opera North. She is in much demand for festival and examination accompanying and for leider recitals etc.,and enjoys being repetiteur for an annual Choral Summer Course. Her musical taste is very varied, being equally at home playing light music and piano duet recitals.