Pupils’ voices well and truly heard at record-breaking King’s Ely Choral Day

Three hundred children were able to sing to their heart’s content at King’s Ely’s annual Choral Day.

The musical extravaganza celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and pupils from around a dozen different local preparatory and primary schools coming together to sing at King’s Ely and Ely Cathedral.

A record-breaking number of pupils attended the action-packed event on September 19th, which was led by renowned conductor, Dominic Peckham. The programme included warm ups and rehearsals in King’s Ely’s Hayward Theatre, a workshop for teachers in the school’s Recital Hall, tours of Ely Cathedral, rehearsals in the cathedral Nave and a performance by the Ely Cathedral Girl Choristers.

The highlight of the day was when all pupils came together in the cathedral to perform to their parents, families, teachers and friends.

Head of Music at King’s Ely Junior, Neil Porter-Thaw, who organises the Choral Day, said: “Dominic was an absolute inspiration to all our visitors with his boundless energy and enthusiasm. He taught the children so much in a short amount of time and everyone left wanting more and more."

Schools which took part included Glebe House School, Histon and Impington Junior School, St Cedd’s School, Bancroft’s School, Stretham Community Primary School, Whitehall School, Howe Green House School, South Lee School, Ely St Mary’s Junior School, Fairstead House School, Moreton Hall School, Witham Hall Preparatory School, Downham Feoffees Primary School, Ely’s Lantern Community Primary School and King’s Ely Junior.

More than 2,500 children have participated in King’s Ely Choral Day since it was launched in 2008. Over the years, the event has been led by Bob Chilcott, Alexander L'Estrange, Ben Parry, Joanna Forbes L'Estrange, Rachel Staunton, Esther Jones and Greg Hallam.

This year was the second time that Dominic Peckham has led the event. He is Artistic Director of the Royal Opera House’s RM19 Youth Singing Group. Dominic also conducts the Royal Opera House’s Big Sing Fridays, has conducted in Deloitte Ignite Festival 13 and has presented The Royal Opera’s BP Big Screens.

Dominic currently holds positions as Musical Director of London Oriana Choir, Assistant Musical Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, Artistic Director and Founder of iSingUK, Artistic Director of The Fourth Choir and Director of the Ulster Youth Training Choir. He has served as a Guest Conductor for Aldeburgh Music, Vocal Director for the BBC Choir of the Year and a consultant of Trinity Guildhall’s teaching programme.