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On Tuesday 10 March, Westminster City School Choir performed on stage at the Royal Festival Hall, which is ‘situated in the heart of London, on the banks of the River Thames’, as part of a major choral collaboration with Westminster School and the Tri-borough Music Hub. Each year, Westminster School hosts a large choral project that brings together around 300 students from schools across Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham, providing young singers the opportunity to perform together on a professional stage.

In preparation for the concert, students rehearsed together over a period of five weeks, working to learn and master 'Johann Sebastian Bach – Magnificat’, which is one of the most technically demanding pieces in the choral repertoire. The complex musical structure and highly expressive style presented a significant challenge for students to tackle and embrace.

Miss Chan, Head of Music at Westminster City School, said:

“The Bach piece was incredibly complex musically, highly melismatic and difficult to sing. Our students were excited by the challenge and worked incredibly hard. They sang amongst some of the best young singers in Westminster and performed beautifully.

“Tim, the Director of Music at Westminster School, is fantastic. It was an incredible experience to work alongside him and collaborate. Projects like this allow teachers to network, share ideas and best teaching practice, which benefits us as practitioners and our students.”                                                                                        

The opportunity to perform in such an iconic venue made the concert a memorable experience for students.

Chiedozie (Year 12) said:

“It was amazing. I loved the atmosphere, and it was incredible to be in a theatre with a full audience watching us sing. That was definitely beautiful and also very inspiring.”

Jasra (Year 12) added:

“Hearing everyone sing as a collective group was so enchanting.”

Temi (Year 13) said:

“Being able to hit the final note on every movement in unison with 300 people was truly magical and it made me feel part of something much bigger.”

Faridah and Modasola (Year 12) reflected on the experience leading up to the concert, saying:

“After all the hard work in every rehearsal, just sitting together as a group at dinner before the concert was really special.”

Christian (Year 8) added:

“The Bach Magnificat was so difficult. I couldn’t believe that we pulled it off and sang it at the Festival Hall in front of everyone. I discovered a lot.”

The performance forms part of Westminster City School’s wider musical partnerships in the area and further afield. Recently, students also collaborated with Westminster School and The Grey Coat Hospital CofE School for Girls for a special Confirmation Service.

This particular concert was a powerful demonstration of collaboration, dedication and musical excellence, and the Westminster City School community is incredibly proud of all the students who took part in this fantastic project.

Further Information

• Westminster School is separate to Westminster City School.
• Westminster School is a private school in Westminster, London, "in the precincts of Westminster Abbey."