It was a packed schedule for the Nonesuch Orchestra earlier in October, when we headed to Bermondsey to visit the two schools of the Mayflower Federation: Phoenix Primary and Ilderton Primary. The Music Teacher, Josh Solnick, is doing amazing work in both these schools, and a more enthusiastic and engaged crowd of children you could not hope to meet.

At Ilderton Primary, conductor Dan Shilladay “passed the baton” over to a volunteer from the audience, and she directed the orchestra with confidence and panache - to ringing applause from everyone. After listening intently to pieces by Purcell, Brahms and Holst, the pupils joined in with the orchestra for some favourite songs. We were bowled over by the quality and energy of the singing!

All in all, a busy and immensely rewarding morning for us all.

A special guest conductor takes the applause at Ilderton Primary School

Here’s what some of the pupils said afterwards:

“It was amazing…”

“I liked how the music was intense, and went quiet at unexpected moments.”

“I really thought the orchestra was good because before the performance I didn’t like classical music one bit, but now I find it interesting.”

“You guys made me have a happy day when I was having a bad day and you made me smile.”

“I loved it!”