Key Points
- Thirty pupils from Tower Hamlets’ George Green’s School and St Paul’s Way Trust School performed Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem at Southwark Cathedral on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.
- The children sang alongside the Pembroke College, Cambridge girls’ choir to a sold-out audience of over 550 people.
- This opportunity was made possible by Sizewell Creative, an arts initiative funded by the Sizewell C nuclear power project.
- The choir project aimed to build young peoples’ confidence, raise aspirations, and highlight the diverse career opportunities linked to Sizewell C.
- The performance followed eight weeks of rehearsals supported by the London-based Outcry Ensemble and Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service (THAMES).
- The concert also featured multiple adult choirs and orchestras, conducted by James Henshaw and supported the Royal British Legion.
- Sizewell Creative fosters community through arts partnerships across schools and local organisations and plans further community events including a community opera in East Suffolk.
- The project highlights the cultural legacy of Benjamin Britten, born in East Suffolk near Sizewell.
What was the role of Tower Hamlets pupils in the Southwark Cathedral concert?
As reported by the Comms Team of Sizewell Creative, 30 pupils from George Green’s School and St Paul’s Way Trust School in Tower Hamlets participated in a children’s ensemble singing Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem on 9 November 2025. The performance took place at Southwark Cathedral just before Remembrance Sunday, marking a significant cultural event for these young performers.
The children sang alongside the prestigious Pembroke College, Cambridge girls’ choir, delighting a full house of more than 550 attendees. Abigail, a Year 9 pupil from George Green’s School, shared her excitement:
“I like singing because it’s a way of expressing myself without having to say how I actually feel. Singing in Latin has been hard but I’ve really enjoyed learning it. I’ve never had a chance to do anything like this before, so it’s been great taking part.”
Noah, a younger participant from Year 7 at St Paul’s Way Trust School, commented,
“It’s been great singing with a live orchestra as I’ve never done that before. Hearing the applause was the best part as my mum and my aunt were in the audience.”
How did Sizewell Creative contribute to this choir project?
Sizewell Creative, funded by Sizewell C—the new 3.2GW nuclear power station being constructed on the Suffolk coast—is a community-focused arts initiative designed to connect people through accessible arts and culture.
According to their communications, Sizewell Creative partnered with the London-based Outcry Ensemble and Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service (THAMES) to prepare the pupils for the performance through an eight-week rehearsal programme. These collaborative efforts aimed to support creativity and build the pupils’ self-confidence and aspirations.
Rosalind Parker, Creative Director of Sizewell Creative, described the experience:
“Collaborating with the Outcry Ensemble and THAMES on the War Requiem has been an extraordinary experience. For many of these students, this was a unique opportunity to step into a world-class performance and feel the power of music in a way that’s rarely accessible.”
She further highlighted the broader impact beyond music:
“Through our Sizewell Creative Skills Badges pilot, these young people haven’t just learned music – they’ve built confidence and skills that will stay with them long after the final note, supporting their creative ambitions and strengthening their personal and professional development for years to come.”
Who else participated in the concert and what was its significance?
The concert included two orchestras, three soloists, and a large adult choir made up of The Academy of English Voices, Pegasus Choir, and Voce Chamber Choir. James Henshaw conducted the entire event, which supported the Royal British Legion.
Zoe, Head of Music at St Paul’s Way Trust School, told Sizewell Creative’s team:
“For me, I think it’s really important that choral singing is something every young person has access to. It’s been amazing working with Sizewell Creative – the size and scope of the organisation is really inspiring, and I love the connections they’re trying to draw between different boroughs and central London. The kids have really enjoyed this project and it’s particularly nice to see how they’ve grown in confidence.”
The concert carried special poignancy given Benjamin Britten’s ties to East Suffolk, near the Sizewell C site. Britten, born in Lowestoft, spent much of his life in Aldeburgh before his death in 1976. The choice of War Requiem connected the community to this artistic heritage.
Just days before, a separate choir largely comprising Sizewell C staff performed at Leiston’s Festival of Remembrance, underscoring Sizewell Creative’s commitment to engaging both local residents and the workforce.
What is the wider mission of Sizewell Creative and future plans?
Sizewell Creative is committed to fostering creativity and community engagement through partnerships with schools, artists, and organisations. It runs free events including choir performances, art classes, and exhibitions.
Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, emphasised the initiative’s role in youth development:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the young people who took part in Saturday’s remarkable performance. Not only did it offer them a wonderful new experience and helped to boost their confidence, but it also raised awareness of Sizewell C and the incredible opportunities across the project in London and in Suffolk.”
She added,
“As a project, we’re determined to help equip as many young people as possible with the tools and skills they need to live happy and fulfilling lives, and I hope the innovative partnership we’ve formed with schools in both London and East Suffolk sets a blueprint for other large infrastructure projects moving forward.”
Looking forward, Sizewell Creative, in partnership with Britten Pears Arts, is planning a community opera at Snape Maltings in East Suffolk for July next year. This event will unite young people, the Sizewell C workforce, and local arts partners to celebrate community creativity.
What is the historical and cultural significance of Benjamin Britten to this project?
Benjamin Britten’s connection to East Suffolk lends a deeply symbolic element to these performances. Born in Lowestoft and resident for much of his life in Aldeburgh, Britten is one of the region’s most celebrated classical composers. His War Requiem is a powerful anti-war piece, often performed in remembrance contexts.
Sizewell Creative’s choice of Britten’s work reinforces the connection between the local community and Suffolk’s rich cultural heritage. The initiative’s previous year saw another landmark production of Britten’s Noye’s Fludde, which brought together schools and Sizewell C team members in a sold-out performance, merging local traditions with community engagement.
