Royal Greenwich youth singers to hit the big time in Festival Hall concert

by WO Staff writer | Greenwich

More than 400 primary and secondary school children from Royal Greenwich will be taking to the stage at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank this summer for a unique music extravaganza.

Details have been unveiled of the event, on Thursday 2 July at 7.30pm, in which musical talents from 10 primary schools and five secondary schools will be showcased. Titled the ‘Celebrate Royal Greenwich Singing Spectacular’, the event is the latest recognition of how successfully music is taught and encouraged in the Royal Borough’s schools.

It is being promoted by the Greenwich Music Hub service, which gives children and young people the opportunity to take part in music at the highest level.

The concert will feature a massed choir, a performance by the Greenwich Gospel Choir, the Woolwich Poly Barber Shop, two acapella songs from Plumstead Manor school choir, the Urban Community Choir from Harris Academy Greenwich, and St Ursula’s Chamber Choir.

Also performing is Tommy Blaize, lead vocalist for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, who will be co-host with Laura Baugh, Assistant Head of Music Hub for the evening

The primary schools taking part are Brooklands, Windrush Charlton, Mulgrave, Sherington, Bannockburn, Deansfield, Halstow, Greenacres, Discovery and Eltham C of E. The other secondary school involved is Crown Woods.

The young performers are already rehearsing. They will be backed by the house band made up of tutors and professional musicians. Local musical icon Jools Holland has offered the band use of his studio for their rehearsals.

Sally McAvoy, Head of School at Windrush Charlton, said: “To have our children singing at the Royal Festival Hall is not something that happens every day and we are very excited for the performance! It will be magical and something they will remember for a lifetime. We feel very honoured to be involved.”

Simon Eastwood, music teacher at both Bannockburn and Halstow Primary Schools, said: “Pupils are so excited. We are very nervous but have been working hard to learn the songs off by heart so that we can give our best performance on the night. We’d like to say a massive thank you to the Royal Greenwich Music Hub for organising this event and for giving us the opportunity to perform at a once in a lifetime event at the Royal Festival Hall.”

Sarah French, head of music at Crown Woods Stationers Academy, added: “We are all very excited about taking part in the event. The songs are fantastic and the pupils are really enjoying rehearsals!”

Tickets are £10, or £5 Concession.

To book, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk  or call 0844 875 0073.