‘Always a delight’: Mayor hails borough’s young talent as Music Service Gala returns after two-year break

The gala featured a variety of instruments and genres. Photograph: Hackney Council

More than 350 of Hackney’s most gifted young musicians united recently in a harmonious display of local talent at the Hackney Empire.

The students were appearing at the annual Music Service Gala – making its return after an absence of two years.

Photograph: Hackney Council

Bands, choirs, soloists and jazz ensembles took to the stage to demonstrate the high standard of music-making in the borough.

The Music Service Gala includes the Hackney Mayor’s Music Awards, a fund established by the borough leader to help and support aspiring young musicians.

Grants for the winners allow budding artists to develop their musical skills and recognise the quality of music education on offer in Hackney’s schools.

The categories include an award celebrating the musical learning of children with special education needs and disabilities.

The award is named after former Hackney councillor and Speaker Geoff Taylor, a talented musician and ex-teacher who passed away in 2019.

The winners of this year’s awards are:

Pupil Award for Musical Achievement in Instrumental Learning:

Trevan Charles – The City Academy, Hackney
Lyan Gama – Cardinal Pole Catholic School
Olivia Padmore – Mossbourne Community Academy

Geoff Taylor SEND Pupil Award:

Taiwo Akinyemi – Ickburgh School

Instrumental Fund for Ensemble Development:

The winning schools are:

Berger Primary School
Mossbourne Riverside Academy
Stoke Newington School

Geoff Taylor SEND Special Projects Awards:

The City Academy, Hackney

Excellence in Music Education Practice Award:

Rushmore Primary School
City of London Academy, Shoreditch Park