Greenwich: Young musicians ready to dazzle their audience at the Royal Festival Hall

by Our Staff Writer | Greenwich

Hundreds of young performers from across the Royal Borough of Greenwich are in the final stage of preparations for a high-profile performance at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall this Thursday evening.

The youth at Music Hub rehearsal. (Credit: RBG)

The “Celebrate Royal Greenwich Singing Spectacular” – which is backed by singer Jools Holland - takes place at the world famous music venue on London’s South Bank at 7.30pm on Thursday 2 July.

Tickets are selling well for the event, which will feature 450 primary and secondary school children from Royal Greenwich, and showcase musical talents from 10 primary schools and five secondary schools in the borough.

The event is the latest recognition of how successfully music is taught and encouraged in the Royal Borough’s schools.

The singers were in fine voice when they met last Monday (June 22) for a final whole day’s intensive rehearsal as part of their preparation

The young performers were joined by Tommy Blaize, lead vocalist for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing programme, for their rehearsals at Kidbrooke Park Primary School, following a band rehearsal the previous day at Jools Holland's rehearsal studio in Greenwich.

Sunday’s rehearsal was for the 11 piece band of industry professionals who have previously performed with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Robbie Williams while on Monday they were joined by choirs form schools across the Borough, combining to form a massed total of 450 young performers.

Thursday’s concert at the South Bank will feature a massed choir, a performance by the Royal Greenwich Schools’ Gospel Choir, the Woolwich Poly Barber Shop, two a capella songs from Plumstead Manor School Choir and St Ursula’s School Chamber Choir.

Youngsters respond to the rythm of the music. (Credit: RBG)

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

The event is being promoted by the Royal Greenwich Music Hub service, which aims to give children and young people the opportunity to take part in music at the highest level.

Councillor John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s always an inspiring occasion to see our talented young singers and musicians perform with such a high level of skill and accomplishment.  Music remains a crucially important subject and through the excellent work of the Music Hub, thousands of local children have access to first class music teaching and experience the joy and pride of performing at prestigious locations such as the Royal Festival Hall.”

The event is also being supported by The Greenwich Music Trust, which has just been relaunched with Jools Holland as patron. The Trust’s aim is to extend and enrich the musical opportunities and experiences of all children and young people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 

As an independent charity the Trust supports the work of the Royal Greenwich Music Hub – and in particular  it aims to ensure that all musically talented children and young people, whatever their background, have the opportunity to develop their talent and take part in events such as the one taking place at the Festival Hall.

Jools Holland believes the Music Trust plays an important role in nurturing musicians of the future. He said, “We want to make sure that every child in Greenwich has the challenge, reward and sense of belonging that music brings.”