SEC CommunicationsTerrace Pavilion
East London School of Music String Quintet Shines at the Houses of Parliament
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) string quintet performed at the Houses of Parliament during the Higginson Strategy Annual Summer Party. The quintet, led by Fiona Pacquette, received high praise for their classical and contemporary repertoire, marking a significant achievement for young BAME musicians.
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) string quintet performed at the Houses of Parliament's Terrace Pavilion at the Higginson Strategy Annual Summer Party on Tuesday, 9th July, following an invitation from the organisation. This prestigious event, hosted by the Right Honourable Baroness Verma of Leicester, featured special guest speaker Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor of the Sunday Times. The occasion was particularly significant as it marked the first day of the new Parliament following the recent general election.
The quintet, led by ELSOM Music Director Fiona Pacquette, comprised two of the school’s top students, Isaac Armstrong (17) and Jalon Armstrong (15), and three of its tutors, Jennifer Obaze (2nd Violin), Olawale Olayinka (Viola), and Jude Olabanji (Cello). Pacquette assembled the ensemble just a week prior, after Higginson Strategy discovered ELSOM's website and extended the invitation.
The performance included well-loved pieces such as Pachelbel’s "Canon in D," Bach’s "Jesu Joy" and "Air in D," Handel’s "Hornpipe in D," and more contemporary selections like "The Goodness of God" by CeCe Winans and "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. The serene and inspiring music provided a calm backdrop for the event.
Audience members, including several politicians, were deeply moved by the quintet’s performance. The young musicians received high praise for their skill and poise, with many attendees taking the opportunity to engage with the performers and learn more about their musical journeys.
Fiona Pacquette expressed her pride in the quintet, emphasising the significance of having young BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) musicians perform at such an esteemed venue. “This was a profoundly rewarding experience for our students and tutors,” she said. “It underscores the power of music to bridge gaps and foster connections.”
The positive reception has led to an invitation for the quintet to perform at future events, further highlighting the impact of their performance.
The East Lonodn School of Music is an independent music charity, based at Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, specialising in classical music training, performance and composition for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) string quintet performed at the Houses of Parliament during the Higginson Strategy Annual Summer Party. The quintet, led by Fiona Pacquette, received high praise for their classical and contemporary repertoire, marking a significant achievement for young BAME musicians.
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) string quintet performed at the Houses of Parliament's Terrace Pavilion at the Higginson Strategy Annual Summer Party on Tuesday, 9th July, following an invitation from the organisation. This prestigious event, hosted by the Right Honourable Baroness Verma of Leicester, featured special guest speaker Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor of the Sunday Times. The occasion was particularly significant as it marked the first day of the new Parliament following the recent general election.
The quintet, led by ELSOM Music Director Fiona Pacquette, comprised two of the school’s top students, Isaac Armstrong (17) and Jalon Armstrong (15), and three of its tutors, Jennifer Obaze (2nd Violin), Olawale Olayinka (Viola), and Jude Olabanji (Cello). Pacquette assembled the ensemble just a week prior, after Higginson Strategy discovered ELSOM's website and extended the invitation.
The performance included well-loved pieces such as Pachelbel’s "Canon in D," Bach’s "Jesu Joy" and "Air in D," Handel’s "Hornpipe in D," and more contemporary selections like "The Goodness of God" by CeCe Winans and "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. The serene and inspiring music provided a calm backdrop for the event.
Audience members, including several politicians, were deeply moved by the quintet’s performance. The young musicians received high praise for their skill and poise, with many attendees taking the opportunity to engage with the performers and learn more about their musical journeys.
Fiona Pacquette expressed her pride in the quintet, emphasising the significance of having young BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) musicians perform at such an esteemed venue. “This was a profoundly rewarding experience for our students and tutors,” she said. “It underscores the power of music to bridge gaps and foster connections.”
The positive reception has led to an invitation for the quintet to perform at future events, further highlighting the impact of their performance.
The East Lonodn School of Music is an independent music charity, based at Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, specialising in classical music training, performance and composition for people of all ages and backgrounds.
