Schoolchildren bring joy and music to Southwark with day of concerts

They say music makes the world go round – or at least Southwark.

More than 130 children from three schools in the borough joined a day of music to bring the community together following the pandemic.

Audiences were singing the praises of pupils from Goodrich Community Primary School in East Dulwich, St Jude’s CE Primary School in Elephant and Castle and Peter Hills CE Primary School in Rotherhithe after they performed at St George the Martyr Church on Friday, October 15.

Michael Bochmann, Musical Director of Water City Music,who organised the event, said the main aim was to bring the different generations together following a year and half of restrictions and lockdowns.

He said: “So many people in the Southwark community – both young and elderly – have suffered terribly during this period. Many have mental health problems caused by this awful pandemic. We want to do all we can to help, and we know music can be a great healer and can bring people together.

“This was a very special day, full of music and fun. It’s something we all need now.”

But organisers of The Dragon Connects programme did not limit the fun to just one concert.

The event had all the bells and whistles, with different musicians and singers performing at care homes and day centres across Southwark.

These included The Chapel at Guy’s Hospital, Lucy Brown House in Park Street, Southwark, The Scovell Centre in Queensborough Road, and the Tower Bridge Care Home in Aberdour Street.

The Rector of St George’s, Canon Jonathan Sedgwick said: “The look of excitement and joy on the faces of children as they performed and listened to music – and the joy they give to audiences – is something we have missed badly during the pandemic.  

“That joy is so important to our wellbeing as individuals and a community so it is just fantastic that so many children and professionals have come together to make music for the people of SE1.”

Mr Jonathan Pix, music teacher at St Jude’s school and Director of Music at St. George’s, said the day had struck a chord with pupils.

“The kids were so excited. We’d been trying to learn it all in the brief few weeks we’ve had since the start of term. 

“I think they’ve all missed singing so much and they have really missed visiting venues to show off their songs, and at last perform to parents.”

Music students from King’s College London and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance played a variety of instruments during the events.

Pictured top: Michael Bochmann, Aanu Sodipe and pupils performing together.