Tower Hamlets pupils get chance to sing at Southwark Cathedral thanks to Sizewell Creative

• Initiative from Sizewell C enables 30 pupils from two Tower Hamlets schools to sing in a children’s ensemble, helping to build confidence and raise aspirations
• Pupils perform Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem on the eve of Remembrance Sunday
• Sizewell Creative, a unique community-focused arts initiative, supports creativity through partnerships with schools, artists, and organisations

Pupils from two East London schools, supported by Sizewell Creative, had the opportunity to sing as part of a children’s ensemble at a special Remembrance event at Southwark Cathedral, thanks to a community-focused art initiative from the Sizewell C project.

Children from George Green’s School and St Paul’s Way Trust School in Tower Hamlets took part in a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem on Saturday evening, the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

The 30 pupils sang alongside members of the prestigious Pembroke College, Cambridge girls’ choir, performing to a sold-out audience of more than 550 people.

Their performance followed eight weeks of classroom rehearsals, supported by the London-based Outcry Ensemble, in collaboration with Sizewell Creative and the Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service (THAMES).

Sizewell Creative, a community-focused initiative funded by Sizewell C, the new 3.2GW nuclear power station being built on the Suffolk coast, aims to bring people and communities together by making arts and culture more accessible.

The choir project was created to engage young people living close to Sizewell C’s London office. Its goal was to boost students’ confidence, raise aspirations, and showcase the diverse career opportunities that Sizewell C will offer in the years ahead.

Abigail, a Year 9 pupil from George Green’s School who performed in the concert, said: “I like singing because it’s a way of expressing myself without having to say how I actually feel. Singing in Latin has been hard but I’ve really enjoyed learning it. I’ve never had a chance to do anything like this before, so it’s been great taking part.”

Noah, a Year 7 pupil from St Paul’s Way Trust School, added: “It’s been great singing with a live orchestra as I’ve never done that before. Hearing the applause was the best part as my mum and my aunt were in the audience.”

The concert, held in support of the Royal British Legion, featured two orchestras, three soloists and a large adult choir (comprising The Academy of English Voices, Pegasus Choir, and Voce Chamber Choir), conducted by James Henshaw.

Zoe, Head of Music at St Paul’s Way Trust School, said: “For me, I think it’s really important that choral singing is something every young person has access to. It’s been amazing working with Sizewell Creative – the size and scope of the organisation is really inspiring, and I love the connections they’re trying to draw between different boroughs and central London. The kids have really enjoyed this project and it’s particularly nice to see how they’ve grown in confidence.”

The concert was especially poignant given Benjamin Britten’s deep ties to East Suffolk, the home of Sizewell C. Born in Lowestoft, Britten spent much of his life in Aldeburgh, where he died in 1976.

Just three days prior to the concert, Sizewell Creative’s own choir – made up largely of Sizewell C’s workforce – performed at Leiston’s Festival of Remembrance.

Sizewell Creative fosters creativity and connection through partnerships with schools, artists, and organisations. It does this by running free events such as choir performances, art classes, and exhibitions, and by partnering with schools, local artists, and arts organisations.

Rosalind Parker, Creative Director of Sizewell Creative, said: “Collaborating with the Outcry Ensemble and THAMES on the War Requiem has been an extraordinary experience. For many of these students, this was a unique opportunity to step into a world-class performance and feel the power of music in a way that’s rarely accessible.

“Through our Sizewell Creative Skills Badges pilot, these young people haven’t just learned music – they’ve built confidence and skills that will stay with them long after the final note, supporting their creative ambitions and strengthening their personal and professional development for years to come.”

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, added: “I couldn’t be prouder of the young people who took part in Saturday’s remarkable performance. Not only did it offer them a wonderful new experience and helped to boost their confidence, but it also raised awareness of Sizewell C and the incredible opportunities across the project in London and in Suffolk.

“As a project, we’re determined to help equip as many young people as possible with the tools and skills they need to live happy and fulfilling lives, and I hope the innovative partnership we’ve formed with schools in both London and East Suffolk sets a blueprint for other large infrastructure projects moving forward.”

Sizewell Creative, in partnership with Britten Pears Arts, is planning a community opera at Snape Maltings in East Suffolk in July.

The performance will bring together young people, Sizewell C’s workforce and local arts partners, culminating in a celebration of the community.

Last year, the initiative delivered a performance of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Noye’s Fludde’ that brought together local communities, schools, and the Sizewell C team, alongside top talent from the world of the arts.