10 Apr 2025, 06:22Darell J. Philip, London Area 6C Communications CoordinatorClapton, Hackney, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
East London School of Music celebrates its tenth anniversary
The East London School of Music (ELSOM), a South England Conference (SEC) Centre of Influence in the London Area 6C, celebrated its tenth anniversary on Sabbath 5th April 2025 in a praise and thanksgiving service held at the Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church based in Hackney, East London.
Founded and managed by Fiona D. Pacquette, an award winning trained musician proficient in several instruments including the piano, pipe organ, flute and cello, ELSOM, through their classical music performances, have been a beacon of light and hope in the community, sharing the gospel message in music and song since its inception on 5th April 2015.
The most recent tenth anniversary celebration service was one of praise, thanksgiving and testimonies for all God had done for the school including attaining charity status in October 2021, receiving recognition from Trinity College London as one of its 33 Trinity Champion Centres for 2023/24 and 2024/25 with ELSOM’s examination pass rate remaining consistently at 97% as well as performances both locally (Hackney Town Hall; Clapton SDA Church) and nationally (Royal College of Music).
Three ELSOM students, Anae Toussaint, 13, Emmanuel Asamoah, 15 and 19-year-old Terval John delivered a message which sought to answer the question – What is heavenly music? “Heavenly Music is one which honours God in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for all He has done for us through Christ, declared Terval John.
Notable highlights from the celebratory concert which took place later that day included the ELSOM Orchestra’s performance of: In Christ Alone and Chikezie Chike-Michael’s Bass Baritone Solo accompanied by ELSOM’s String Orchestra to the song, Thanks Be To Thee.
In partnership with Play the Organ 2025, ELSOM held its own Grand Organ Concert the following day (Sunday 6th April 2025) at Clapton Community SDA Church which also included a workshop where members of the public were given the opportunity to play the 950 pipe organ in Clapton Church. Hosted by Sir Andrew Parmley from Play the Organ 2025, notable performances included 17-year-old Isaac Armstrong’s rendition of Allegro from Suite in G minor, HMV 432, (George. F. Handel), Emmanuella Asamoah Yeboah’s performance of The Curious (James Treweek) and Guest Organist, Pavlos Triantaris, interpretation of Pie Jesu from the Requiem Op.9 (Maurice Durufle).
In his closing remarks, Sir Andrew Parmley was complimentary of ELSOM students: “With so much wonderful talent around I’m sure that the organ will be in safe hands. We thank Fiona for all that she and her assistant tutors are doing with their students who have performed so well today,” he said.
The East London School of Music (ELSOM), a South England Conference (SEC) Centre of Influence in the London Area 6C, celebrated its tenth anniversary on Sabbath 5th April 2025 in a praise and thanksgiving service held at the Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church based in Hackney, East London.
Founded and managed by Fiona D. Pacquette, an award winning trained musician proficient in several instruments including the piano, pipe organ, flute and cello, ELSOM, through their classical music performances, have been a beacon of light and hope in the community, sharing the gospel message in music and song since its inception on 5th April 2015.
The most recent tenth anniversary celebration service was one of praise, thanksgiving and testimonies for all God had done for the school including attaining charity status in October 2021, receiving recognition from Trinity College London as one of its 33 Trinity Champion Centres for 2023/24 and 2024/25 with ELSOM’s examination pass rate remaining consistently at 97% as well as performances both locally (Hackney Town Hall; Clapton SDA Church) and nationally (Royal College of Music).
Three ELSOM students, Anae Toussaint, 13, Emmanuel Asamoah, 15 and 19-year-old Terval John delivered a message which sought to answer the question – What is heavenly music? “Heavenly Music is one which honours God in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for all He has done for us through Christ, declared Terval John.
Notable highlights from the celebratory concert which took place later that day included the ELSOM Orchestra’s performance of: In Christ Alone and Chikezie Chike-Michael’s Bass Baritone Solo accompanied by ELSOM’s String Orchestra to the song, Thanks Be To Thee.
In partnership with Play the Organ 2025, ELSOM held its own Grand Organ Concert the following day (Sunday 6th April 2025) at Clapton Community SDA Church which also included a workshop where members of the public were given the opportunity to play the 950 pipe organ in Clapton Church. Hosted by Sir Andrew Parmley from Play the Organ 2025, notable performances included 17-year-old Isaac Armstrong’s rendition of Allegro from Suite in G minor, HMV 432, (George. F. Handel), Emmanuella Asamoah Yeboah’s performance of The Curious (James Treweek) and Guest Organist, Pavlos Triantaris, interpretation of Pie Jesu from the Requiem Op.9 (Maurice Durufle).
In his closing remarks, Sir Andrew Parmley was complimentary of ELSOM students: “With so much wonderful talent around I’m sure that the organ will be in safe hands. We thank Fiona for all that she and her assistant tutors are doing with their students who have performed so well today,” he said.
