Phil Almond Tenor

If my life was a spreadsheet, the "Resource Allocation" column would be looking pretty full right now!

Between a 38-hour week at JCP and my life in the Cathedral, I also sit on the Executive Board for PRISM. It’s high-level governance, strategic decision-making, and a lot of responsibility to carry alongside a full-time job.

I’ll be honest, balancing Executive Board work with professional CPD lessons and a heavy travel schedule on public transport is a massive test of mental resilience.

I know firsthand what it feels like to manage:

The Fatigue: Making sure your brain is as sharp for a Board meeting as it is for an engineering schedule.

The Logistics: Using that hour on the bus or train to switch gears from "compliance, QA and Operations" to "Executive" to "Vocalist."

The Breathing Room: Learning that you can’t "Take Action" for others if you aren't managing your own capacity.

Being able to balance board-level governance with a career in engineering is only possible when your workplaces actually values fatigue management and open communication.

Take Action tip for today: If your "juggle" feels more like a "struggle," speak up. Whether it's to a friend or a Mental Health First Aider, don't wait until you hit the wall to ask for a bit of breathing room.

one simple truth: you only get one body and one life. We have to treat ourselves with the same care we give our biggest projects.

Have a great week

As a tenor, my work is often measured by what people hear on the surface, the performance, the technique, the "final product." But as we start Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, I’m thinking about what happens beneath the stage.

The theme this year is "Take Action."

In the performing arts, we are experts at "pushing through." We’re trained to perform regardless of stress, fatigue, or the mental weight of a high-pressure industry. But "taking action" for our mental health means realising that our voice is only as strong as the person behind it.

For me, taking action looks like this:

Protecting the Instrument: Our mental state affects our physical body. Taking action means recognising when "performance nerves" are actually "burnout" and proactively choosing to rest.

Action over Awareness: We all know the industry is tough. But change happens when we act, by setting boundaries, speaking up when a culture feels "off-key," and supporting our colleagues in the rehearsal room.

The "Safety Guardian" Mindset: Beyond the stage, my work in safeguarding and mental health first aid has taught me that we are at our most creative when we feel safe. Taking action to create that "psychological safety" is how we get the best performances out of ourselves and each other.

My challenge to my fellow performers and creatives: Don't wait for the "encore" to check in on yourself. Take one proactive action today. Step away from the score, go for a walk, or reach out to a peer.

Let’s ensure the "Take Action" theme leads to a more sustainable, harmonious industry for all of us.

What small action are you taking to protect your creative energy this week? 👇

Big year ahead as I ended 2025 and step into 2026 as the sole Principal Tenor Lay Clerk at Newcastle Cathedral!

Since Easter last year, the second tenor position has been vacant and covered by deps, so it’s been a unique challenge and privilege to carry the line and sing with many tenors who can dep for the services.

Looking back, 2025 was full of highlights:
• BBC Radio 3 broadcast on Easter Day – an unforgettable experience.
• O Nata Lux CD release – proud to be part of this beautiful recording.
• Three Choirs Festival – Hexham, Carlisle, and Newcastle coming together in harmony.
Singing with Durham for both cathedrals’ patronal festivals – a real celebration of music and community.
And now, looking forward:
• BBC Radio 3 again on Easter Wednesday – can’t wait!
• Choir tour to St Paul’s Cathedral in August – a dream venue for any singer.

Being a tenor in the North East and singing at Newcastle Cathedral is something I never take for granted. Every service, every note is a chance to grow. Continuous professional development isn’t just for the office, it’s part of being the best musician and colleague I can be.

Here’s to another year of music, learning, and making memories.

Happy New Year all!!

World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the many ways we can support our wellbeing, and for me, one of the most powerful has always been music.

Music has a remarkable ability to calm, heal, and connect. Whether we’re singing, playing, listening, or simply sharing in a moment of sound, it helps us express what words often can’t. It brings comfort in difficult times and joy in the ordinary ones.

In choirs, cathedrals, and communities everywhere, music continues to transform lives, building connection, confidence, and hope.

Let’s keep using it not just to fill spaces, but to lift spirits and bring people together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1dOceWPT9A

On Sunday 21 September, Bishop Helen-Ann commissioned two new LGBTQI+ volunteer chaplains — Izzy McDonald-Booth and David Casati — at a special Evensong at Newcastle Cathedral.

They’ll be joining the Diocese of Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ Chaplaincy, working alongside Lead Chaplain, Revd Emma Duff.

Moments like this remind us that chaplaincy isn’t just about support — it’s about visibility, inclusion, and hope for people across our communities.

This was a great service to be part of — and the music lifted it even further: Howells in G, Park Responses, and Dove’s Treasures in Heaven.

A moving reminder of how worship, community, and inclusion come together in this space.

Evensong with Commissioning of LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains | Sunday 21 September 2025 Welcome to Choral Evensong from Newcastle Cathedral.For our current Services and Music Schedule, with details of this evening's music, go to https://newcastl...

Sunday marked the end of my 8th year as a Tenor Lay Clerk at Newcastle Cathedral — something I find hard to believe, having started back in September 2017.

This past year has been full: recording a CD of music from Advent to Epiphany, broadcasting on BBC Radio 3, gala dinners, the Hadrian Choirs Festival in Hexham, and several Wetheringsett evensongs. It’s been busy, rewarding, and often quite moving.

Looking ahead to my 9th year this September feels a bit surreal. But for now, I want to mark a significant goodbye. We said farewell to the brilliant Luke Busbridge — a fantastic colleague and musician who’s been a steady and inspiring presence throughout my time here. His musicality, support, and humour have meant a lot to me and many others.

Wishing him every success in Coventry — though I’ll keep reminding him that Newcastle won’t be quite the same without him.

Last Saturday, I had a brilliant time at this year’s Hadrian Choirs Festival, hosted by Carlisle Cathedral. It’s always a highlight of the year – a chance for the choirs of Newcastle, Hexham, and Carlisle to come together, taking turns to host.

It was a real privilege to sing alongside the cathedral choirs of Carlisle and Hexham, and I enjoyed hearing their contributions. The variety and quality of music on offer made for a truly special day. Rutter’s Te Deum was full of energy, Wesley’s Ascribe unto the Lord was bold and joyful, and Parry’s Hear my words, ye people was a fitting and powerful finale.

Interspersed between these larger works were sets performed by each choir. Every set was superb, and our own choir’s Palestrina brought a beautiful moment of calm and stillness – I loved being part of it.

Next year it’s Newcastle’s turn to host – I’m already looking forward to seeing what the programme holds.

Today's lunch before finishing the Bach St Matthew Passion and digging into this piece.

Travelling home on the ferry. Such a joy! It's such a convenience when you can get it, north shields to south shields in 13 mins..

Lunch Break & Vocal Lesson

Taking a moment to enjoy a delightful lunch at my favorite cafe. The perfect setting to unwind and savor some delicious food.

This afternoon, I'll be diving into a singing lesson, focusing on the powerful and inspiring pieces Messiah and Elijah. Excited to explore the nuances of these masterpieces and refine my vocal skills.

Love to all, hope you are all having a fab day!!