17 Apr 2025, 11:11Darell J. Philip, London Area 6C Communications CoordinatorClapton, Hackney, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Duchess of Gloucester, attends the East London School of Music 10th Anniversary Celebratory Concert
The East London School of Music (ELSOM), a South England Conference (SEC) Centre of Influence, held its 10th Anniversary Celebratory Concert on Thursday 10th April 2025 in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester. The concert, which took place at the Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, based in Hackney, East London (Area 6C), was attended by approximately 400 people with representatives from both the British Union and South England Conference present.
Proceedings begun with a welcome parade by the Dagenham Eagles (Pathfinders drumming corps) who work in partnership with ELSOM followed by the Arrival of HRH, The Duchess of Gloucester who was welcomed by Clapton SDA Church newly appointed Pastor, Wilfred Blake alongside former Pastor, Nerine Barrett, South England Conference President, Dr. Kirk Thomas and East London School of Music Director, Fiona D. Pacquette.
Attendees stood as the British National Anthem, with Fanfare: God Save the King was sung by Bass-Baritone, Chikezie Chike-Michael accompanied by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra, before being officially welcomed to the concert by SEC President, Dr. Kirk Thomas. Addressing the presence of HRH, The Duchess Gloucester, Dr. Thomas said: “We are honoured and truly grateful for your presence here with us today.” He then added: “Today, through God’s grace, ELSOM stands as a creative hub in the community. Talent meets opportunity and has done so for 10 years. We look forward to the next 10 years of breaking barriers and making music which glorifies God. Happy 10th Anniversary ELSOM.”
The audience were treated to a number of classical and spiritual music renditions including: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (George J Elvey, 1858) performed by Ghanaian Choir, La Melodia Chorale; the hymn, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah (William Williams 1745) conducted by Nathaniel S Davis; Marches Royale/King William March (Jeremiah Clarke 1674-1707) performed by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Matthew Umole and Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor, OP. 3, No. 10” (RV 580), 1st Movement (Antonio Vivaldi, 1711) performed by solo violinists: Isaac Armstrong, Jalon Armstrong, Yeron Roro and Gabriella Pedditzi, supported by professional violinist, Mark Lee, conducted by Fiona D. Pacquette.
The performance which received the loudest applause was the one which brought an end to the concert: I Vow to Thee My Country (arranged by Geoff Knorr) performed by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Fiona D. Pacquette.
The closing remarks were given by Dionne Corrodus-Weekes, Director of Dagenham Eagles who work in partnership with the East London School of Music. On meeting Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester, young violinist, Samantha said: “She asked me how I had started to get involved in music and joining ELSOM and she was really kind and nice.”
The East London School of Music (ELSOM), a South England Conference (SEC) Centre of Influence, held its 10th Anniversary Celebratory Concert on Thursday 10th April 2025 in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester. The concert, which took place at the Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, based in Hackney, East London (Area 6C), was attended by approximately 400 people with representatives from both the British Union and South England Conference present.
Proceedings begun with a welcome parade by the Dagenham Eagles (Pathfinders drumming corps) who work in partnership with ELSOM followed by the Arrival of HRH, The Duchess of Gloucester who was welcomed by Clapton SDA Church newly appointed Pastor, Wilfred Blake alongside former Pastor, Nerine Barrett, South England Conference President, Dr. Kirk Thomas and East London School of Music Director, Fiona D. Pacquette.
Attendees stood as the British National Anthem, with Fanfare: God Save the King was sung by Bass-Baritone, Chikezie Chike-Michael accompanied by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra, before being officially welcomed to the concert by SEC President, Dr. Kirk Thomas. Addressing the presence of HRH, The Duchess Gloucester, Dr. Thomas said: “We are honoured and truly grateful for your presence here with us today.” He then added: “Today, through God’s grace, ELSOM stands as a creative hub in the community. Talent meets opportunity and has done so for 10 years. We look forward to the next 10 years of breaking barriers and making music which glorifies God. Happy 10th Anniversary ELSOM.”
The audience were treated to a number of classical and spiritual music renditions including: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (George J Elvey, 1858) performed by Ghanaian Choir, La Melodia Chorale; the hymn, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah (William Williams 1745) conducted by Nathaniel S Davis; Marches Royale/King William March (Jeremiah Clarke 1674-1707) performed by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Matthew Umole and Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor, OP. 3, No. 10” (RV 580), 1st Movement (Antonio Vivaldi, 1711) performed by solo violinists: Isaac Armstrong, Jalon Armstrong, Yeron Roro and Gabriella Pedditzi, supported by professional violinist, Mark Lee, conducted by Fiona D. Pacquette.
The performance which received the loudest applause was the one which brought an end to the concert: I Vow to Thee My Country (arranged by Geoff Knorr) performed by the East London School of Music Orchestra & HACS Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Fiona D. Pacquette.
The closing remarks were given by Dionne Corrodus-Weekes, Director of Dagenham Eagles who work in partnership with the East London School of Music. On meeting Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester, young violinist, Samantha said: “She asked me how I had started to get involved in music and joining ELSOM and she was really kind and nice.”
