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Students from the Westminster City School Orchestra were invited to perform at a special musical reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, in partnership with Sinfonia Smith Square.

The event, titled 'Doors Open', took place in December in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour on the 19th floor of Westminster City Hall, steps away from Westminster City School. It marked the launch of a major capital project to restore the historic Smith Square Hall, bringing together musicians, supporters and community partners to celebrate the future of one of Westminster’s most significant cultural venues.

Several members of the WCS Orchestra performed alongside musicians from Sinfonia Smith Square, with the performance led by Mr Valles, Director of Music Performance at Westminster City School. They all delivered a joyful and technically demanding arrangement of “Ding Dong Merrily on High”, which was warmly received by guests, including the Lord Mayor himself.

Mr Rees, Director of Pastoral Development and Partnerships at Westminster City School spoke during the evening and highlighted the role music plays in education, emphasising “how opportunities like this help students build confidence, develop creativity and experience music making at a professional level”.

Mr Valles, Director of Music Performance at Westminster City School, said:

“What made me most proud was seeing our students, from Year 8 through to Year 13 playing alongside professional musicians in such a challenging arrangement. The invitation came at a short notice, but the students gave everything to meet the deadline and perform to such a high standard.”

He added:

“The WCS Orchestra was founded around ten years ago with the idea that everyone should have the chance to be involved, regardless of their level. We shape the music around our students, and it has become a constant presence at Westminster City School ever since."

The performance was made possible through the school’s ongoing partnership with Sinfonia Smith Square, which has been developing over the past year and continues to open high quality performance opportunities for students; opportunities that are once in a lifetime.

Year 12 student Edward, who performed as Violin 1, reflected on the experience:

“It was a really enjoyable and transformative experience. Playing alongside professional musicians helped me understand how my part fitted into the wider orchestra. Performing at Westminster City Hall elevated the whole experience and gave me much more confidence and musical expression.”

Thank you to Sinfonia Smith Square and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg for such an amazing opportunity.

Click here to find out more about Sinfonia Smith Square's partnership with Westminster City School.