Hackney’s best young musical talent celebrated at annual music awards
Some of Hackney’s most gifted young musicians came together to display their talents at the annual Music Service Gala and Mayor’s Music Awards 2023.
Returning to Hackney Empire after two years away, over 350 local students, including bands, choirs, soloists and school groups 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 Mayor of Hackney, to help and support aspiring young musicians to develop their musical skills, and to recognise the quality of music education offered in Hackney’s schools. The categories include an award celebrating the musical learning of children with special education needs and disabilities, 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 – from The City Academy, Hackney
Lyan Gama – from Cardinal Pole Catholic School
Olivia Padmore – from Mossbourne Community Academy
Geoff Taylor SEND Pupil Award:
Taiwo Akinyemi – from Ickburgh School
Instrumental Fund for Ensemble Development:
The winning schools awarded 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
It is always a delight to be able to share the incredible talents of our borough’s gifted young musicians with residents. Hackney is proud of our Music Service and the work they do with our schools to support young people in pursuing their dreams and their passion for music by providing essential financial assistance through funding lessons, instruments and competitions.
I congratulate all our amazing nominees for their hard work and dedication. I thank them for performing their music for us today and promise them we will continue to champion and invest in cultural opportunities for all our young people.
