Young composers take centre stage at Guildhall

The City Schools Concert at the Guildhall marked its tenth anniversary this week as pupils from across London took to the historic stage to perform music they had written themselves.

Around 70 young people from five schools within the City of London Corporation’s family of schools gathered at Guildhall to celebrate a decade of the initiative, which places composition and creativity at the centre of music education. The evening was both a milestone and a reminder of the quiet work that has sustained the programme over the past ten years.

Under the guidance of creative leads Sigrun Saevarsdottir-Griffiths and Paul Griffiths, the pupils developed their own lyrics, melodies and rhythms through collaborative workshops before performing them live. The result was an evening of original pieces shaped entirely by the students’ ideas.

Naresh Sonpar, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s education board, described the anniversary concert as “both a celebration and a statement of our long-term commitment to music education and opportunity”.

“It reinforces the impact that access to high-quality cultural and musical experiences can have on young people,” he said. “The project puts young people at its heart, their voices, creativity and confidence, and demonstrates the power of sustained investment in arts education.”

Schools represented included City of London Primary Academy Islington, Redriff Primary City of London Academy, City of London Academy Southwark, The City Academy Hackney and City of London School. The breadth of the partnership reflects the reach of the City of London Corporation’s education programme, which supports maintained, academy and independent schools across the capital.

Elizabeth Jones, Head of Music at The City Academy Hackney, said the creative process had been as important as the performance itself.

“The pupils took part in workshops in which they collaboratively developed the lyrics, melodies and beats,” she said. “It was a privilege to observe the creative process, and remarkable that music of such a high standard was produced in such a short time.

“The pupils were really enthusiastic and energised by the experience of performing in such a prestigious venue. Some described it as life-changing, and parents expressed great pride in their accomplishments.”

Guildhall, long associated with civic ceremony and cultural events, provided an appropriate setting for the anniversary. For many of the performers, it was their first opportunity to appear on such a stage.

The City Schools Concert at the Guildhall has, over a decade, evolved into more than a showcase. It has become a statement about access to arts education in London and the value placed on giving young people authorship of their own work.

For more stories celebrating young talent and the Square Mile’s cultural life, follow EyeOnLondon City for thoughtful coverage of the capital’s arts and education community.

[Image Credit | City of London Corporation]

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