Mayor’s Music Awards 2024: Borough’s young musicians impress at Hackney Empire

Photograph: Gary Manhine

Hundreds of the most talented young musicians in the borough recently graced the stage of the legendary Hackney Empire.

More than 350 local students showed off the high standard of artistry in Hackney as they took part in the annual Music Service Gala and Mayor’s Music Awards.

Soloists, bands, choirs, orchestras, and jazz ensembles performed on the hallowed boards of the Empire.

The Mayor’s Music Awards funds the development of aspiring musicians, and each year recognises the best students and also the quality of education they receive at school.

Photograph: Gary Manhine

Three youngsters took home awards for Musical Achievement in Instrumental Learning: Alisha Bibi from Stormont School; Joshua Richards-Anderson of Mossbourne Riverside Academy; and Awa Johnson from Orchard Primary.

The Geoff Taylor SEND Pupil Awards went to Aariah Zemirli of Gayhurst Primary and Joel Seto from Ickburgh School.

Rushmore Primary School won the Geoff Taylor SEND Special Projects Award.

Both accolades are named after former Hackney councillor and Speaker Geoff Taylor, a talented musician and ex-teacher who passed away in 2019.

Mossbourne Parkside Academy and City of London Academy, Shoreditch Park, came out on top in the Instrumental Fund for Ensemble Development category.

Finally, Excellence in Music Education Practice Awards were given to William Patten Primary and City Academy.

Photograph: Gary Manhine

Liz Jones, head of music at City Academy, said: “We’re delighted to have won the award.

“We believe that learning music is a vital part of an excellent education and we want to be able to offer every child the best musical opportunities.

“This award will help us to continue to do that.”

Rushmore Primary’s headteacher Jim O’Shea and the school’s music lead Dafydd Williams added: “Each year’s Hackney Schools Gala Concert miraculously manages to top the previous one.

“What a fantastic testament to the brilliant young people of Hackney, not to mention their inspiring, creative and resourceful teachers.”

Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley said: “Congratulations to all the talented young musicians nominated in this year’s awards.

“Music and the arts are just as important as Maths and English, and in Hackney we have an abundance of musical talent.

“We are proud to continue working with our family of schools and special schools to support young people in our borough to pursue their passion for music.”