There was a tremendous sense of excitement and celebration over the weekend of 9-10 May as the Blackheath Music Festival returned to Eltham College. More than 1,600 performers, parents, guardians and siblings filled the school with energy and music, enjoying not only the performances but also the glorious roses in bloom across the campus. Entries arrived from both independent and state schools across London, alongside a particularly strong showing from Eltham College musicians themselves.
This year’s festival saw a record number of entries, with performances taking place across the Music School and Central Hall for piano, the Junior School Rosemary Morgan Hall for singing, and the King George Hall for strings. The standard throughout the weekend was exceptional. Adjudicators Timothy Barratt and Joseph Tong (piano), Andrew Sherwood (strings), and Belinda Mikhail (singing) all spoke warmly of the outstanding preparation, musical maturity, and polished performances on display, with particular praise for the remarkable quality of the younger performers.
Saturday morning began in inspiring fashion with the Junior School Initial and Intermediate String Ensembles, both of whom were awarded Gold for their “straight bowing, excellent posture and terrific rhythm.” The Unaccompanied Bach class proved especially memorable, with junior pupils Natalia (Year 6) and Misha (Year 5) both receiving Gold awards. Andrew Sherwood praised their poise, control, and musical sensitivity, noting the way they allowed the music “space to breathe and shape naturally.”
Throughout the weekend, many pupils impressively moved between piano, singing, and string classes, demonstrating extraordinary versatility and commitment. Among the 28 Junior School soloists awarded Gold were Charlotte (Year 5) on harp, commended for her “highly sensitive and polished performance,” and Aston (Year 6) played with his mother in the ever-popular Family Ensemble Class.
Sunday concluded with a series of vibrant and highly engaging Chamber Music classes. Eltham College was superbly represented by the Year 4 & 5 Harp Ensemble, whose performance was described as “magical”; the Junior School Piano Trio impressed with “powerful and assured playing and impressive leading”, while the oboe quartet was praised for its “excellent tuning and strong stylistic awareness.” There were several piano duets and trios, and all the groups were awarded Gold.
Across the entire festival, adjudicators repeatedly commented on the calm confidence and professionalism shown by the performers, as well as the exceptional expertise and dedication of the teachers who guided and inspired them. The weekend was a joyful celebration of young musicianship and a wonderful showcase for the flourishing musical life of Eltham College and the wider community.