Sophie Henderson is a soprano, originally from Derbyshire, currently in her final year of undergraduate studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she studies singing under Catherine Benson.
During her time at the conservatoire, Sophie has enjoyed roles in the Spring and Summer Operas and Opera Scenes, including Minèrve in Offenbach's Orphée aux Enfers, Griletta in Haydn’s Lo Speziale (2024), Hero in Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict (2025) and the Spirit in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (2025). Last summer, she also played the role of First Witch in the St Endellion Festival production of Dido and Aeneas (2025).
Sophie’s recent competition successes include first prize in the Edward Brooks English Song Prize (2025) and third place in the Birmingham Festival Choral Society Oratorio Prize (2025).
Headshot by Akta Studios
Ex Cathedra Christmas Music by Candlelight (2025). Photograph by Melissa Brown.
In addition to her studies, Sophie greatly enjoys giving regular recitals at venues such as St Chad's Shrewsbury, Holy Trinity Berwick, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Derby Cathedral, featuring a wide repertoire of art song (with a particular focus on works by lesser known female composers).
An experienced soloist, generously supported by the Josephine Baker Trust, Sophie has performed in oratorios with choral societies including the Buckinghamshire Choral Society, Halesowen Choral Society and the Needwood singers. She also sings with multiple high level ensembles including Ex Cathedra (with whom she is a scholar), St Phillip’s Cathedral (where she works as a Soprano Lay Clerk), the Birmingham Oratory and the Charpentier Ensemble.