Friends, family, and staff at The Hall were honoured to attend this year’s Cadogan Hall Gala Concert. As usual, we’ve received so many words of praise for how well the boys performed. We are endlessly impressed by their talent. The school also thanks the wonderful Music Department staff for putting on yet another incredible Gala.
Every year, Hall boys have donned their bowties for the classy venue where they showcase all they’ve been working on within the music department. Boys from nearly every year participate as the school’s comprehensive music curriculum extends through the Junior, Middle, and Senior School.
Here’s what Mr Rycroft had to say on the evening of the event:
As the new Headmaster of The Hall, it is an absolute privilege to experience this extraordinary event for the first time. Tonight, I join you in celebrating the incredible talents of our young musicians and the dedication of our outstanding Music Department.
This concert, now in its eighth year, has become a highlight in The Hall’s musical calendar, celebrating the exceptional skill, teamwork, and creativity of our students. From the Symphony Orchestra to the Training Band, choirs, and smaller chamber groups, the breadth and depth of tonight’s performances demonstrate the passion and dedication of our boys. It is clear that music continues to be a defining feature of life at The Hall.
For me, as someone new to the community, witnessing the camaraderie, resilience, and joy that music brings to our students has been truly inspiring. Ensemble playing teaches invaluable lessons about listening, collaboration, and striving together toward a shared goal – values that resonate far beyond the concert stage.
I would like to thank the incredible Music Department for their hard work in preparing the students for tonight’s concert. Their expertise and commitment, along with the unwavering support of our families, have made this evening possible. It is a testament to the strength of our community and the importance we place on nurturing the whole child.
As I take my seat in this magnificent venue, I am filled with excitement to watch and listen to the magic unfold. I look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you and to many more moments like this as part of The Hall’s wonderful community.
Last night, The Hall was also pleased to announce the Year 8 Music Award Winners for 2025:
When Ben moved to London and joined The Hall School in Year 5, he was amazed by the school’s vibrant music culture and the many opportunities it offered. Excited by the chance to learn a new instrument and join the orchestra, he explored several options before choosing the oboe. Captivated by its beautiful sound and encouraged by the wonderfully kind Mrs. Hoskins, his oboe teacher, learning the oboe felt like the perfect decision—one that broadened his musical horizons and opened up a new dimension of music-making.
Settling into his new life, Ben resumed his piano studies and feels incredibly fortunate to learn from Mr. Kirby. His insightful teaching and unwavering support have brought out the best in Ben and continue to fuel his growth. Ben’s performances are often recognised for their technical skill and musical expression, which reflect the passion he brings to his music.
Music is such an important part of Ben’s life that it’s all over his playlists. If you peek at what he’s listening to, you’ll find anything from classical and jazz, to pop and even rap. He also loves attending concerts, where he finds inspiration and joy in watching live performances. Performing for others is another favourite—whether it’s at competitions, school events, or just casually for friends and family, sharing music always makes him happy.
Ben’s time at The Hall has been filled with memorable musical experiences. Highlights include performing in chamber groups and piano duos at Cadogan Hall, playing with the Jazz Band at Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho, and participating in an unforgettable music trip to South Africa. His dedication to music has also been recognised through several honours, including wins in The Hall’s Outstanding Musician Competition: the Piano Category in 2022 and 2023, including the overall winner award in 2023, and the Woodwind Category in 2024.
Ben is deeply grateful to Ms. Rosina and The Hall School’s Music Department for their incredible support and the many opportunities they have provided. As he looks ahead, Ben is excited to continue exploring, learning, and growing as a musician at Westminster School.
At seven, he discovered the trumpet, which soon became his principal instrument. He has played principal trumpet in the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. A dedicated member of the Jazz Band since Year 6, Eskander has performed annually at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho.
Eskander has reached the final round of The Hall Outstanding Musician Competition in both voice and trumpet, winning the Brass category title in 2024.
He joined the school’s Chapel Choir at the age of nine, taking up voice as his third study. As Head Chorister, he was chosen to perform the solo verse of Once in Royal David’s City at The Hall’s annual Nine Lessons and Carols service. He has led the Chapel Choir in Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral; Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford; Christ’s College, Cambridge; Southwark Cathedral, and Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire. His vocal contributions also extend to the school’s Barbershop choir. This year, as Head of Music for his House, he will conduct his own contribution at the Big Sing.
A highlight of Eskander’s musical journey was the 2023 South Africa Music Tour, followed by the France Music Tour in 2025. He now looks forward to continuing his musical career at Winchester College.
Eskander is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Music Department and will greatly miss musical life at The Hall. He would like to thank Ms. Rosina, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Ward and Mr. O’Donnell for their invaluable guidance and encouragement.
Sebastian is the principal cellist in The Hall School Symphony Orchestra, with whom he has performed in concert halls around the world including South Africa, France, and England. He has also played in string quartets, performing masterpieces such as Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Annual performance highlights have included The Hall School Gala Concert at Cadogan Hall and The Hall School Chamber Music Festival Concert at the JW3 in London.
Sebastian is one of the four Head Choristers in The Hall School Chapel Choir, with whom he has performed (including as a soloist) in churches and cathedrals around England, including: St Marylebone Parish Church, St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral in London; Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire; and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford.
Sebastian has been a finalist in The Hall Outstanding Musician Competition on three occasions and was the winner of the Voice Category in 2024.
Sebastian’s most memorable and favourite experience with The Hall Music School was the South Africa Music Tour in 2023. He particularly enjoyed sharing music and connecting with local children in the township of Mamelodi, socialising with his good friends outside of the school environment, playing with the orchestra at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and spotting numerous animals, including The Big 5, on safari in Pilanesberg National Park.
Sebastian passionately enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, from rap, pop, film (his favourite film composer being Hans Zimmer) to classical (more specifically, J.S. Bach and Edward Elgar).
Sebastian would like to thank all his music teachers for their hard work and huge commitment in helping him to progress in his musical journey. Very many thanks to: Ms Sheida Davis (for her patience, fun and encouragement), Mr John Ward (for his clear instructions and expert guidance in obtaining ABRSM Distinctions), Mr Owen Dawson (for his sympathetic piano accompaniment and coaching skills), Dr Willem Steyn (for making the South Africa Music Tour the best experience of Sebastian’s life), Mrs Wendy Penderis (for ensuring Sebastian never misses a rehearsal) and Ms Luisa Rosina (for getting Sebastian to where he is today, by believing in him and encouraging and supporting him at every step).
Through the Suzuki violin repertoire and out-of-repertoire pieces, Jonah has had a firm grounding in classical works including those by Bach, Vivaldi, and Tchaikovsky, which have helped him to build strong technical and fluency skills. Furthermore, he has a passion for traditional and modern classical music and is drawn to composers such as Gershwin, Hisaishi and Ravel. His overall progression has been enhanced by participating in music residentials, including the Temple Dinsley Summer School and the Pro Corda Chamber Music School.
Jonah has earned his place in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain since 2022 and has had the privilege to work on ambitious and creative music programmes with renowned conductors such as Caroline Hobbs-Smith and Natalia Luis-Bassa; inspirational tutors who play for professional orchestras, as well as exceptional guest soloists including Jennifer Pike and Aaron Akugbo.
Jonah is a member of The Hall School’s Symphony Orchestra and The Bach Trio; he was the concert master on the tours to South Africa in 2023 and to France in 2025. He has regularly participated in competitions such as the North London Music Festival and was selected as the overall winner of The Hall School Outstanding Musician Competition in 2024. He was also the winner of the Strings Category in the Middle School Hall Outstanding Musician Competition in 2021. Jonah is delighted to have been chosen as the Green House Music Captain and has thoroughly enjoyed motivating and preparing his team for The Big Sing 2025.
Jonah treasures what he has learnt through participating in The Hall School’s music outreach activities. It was a privilege to be part of the orchestra tour to South Africa and the fundraising efforts in aid of reaching out to disadvantaged children in Mamelodi and helping to offer them a safe space to learn a musical instrument, participate in musical activities and to nurture musical talent. He gained a deeper understanding of the culture and heritage of the children he met by making music with them. Another wonderful opportunity was to visit an elderly care home and perform pieces on his violin for the residents during the school’s activity week in 2024. Through both these, he has come away with a better appreciation of how music can transcend language and age barriers and forge connections among people.
Jonah has a high regard for the Music Department at The Hall School and the amazing opportunities it offers. He is grateful for the hard work and dedication of all the music teachers that have supported his development, especially Ms Rosina, Dr Steyn, Ms Koh, Ms Biss and Mr Dawson. He would also like to give thanks to his parents, his teachers at Lauderdale Suzuki and his violin teacher, Mr Silis.
Outside of school, Veer loves participating in music festivals such as the Watford Music Festival, where he won first prize in his category. This inspired him to pursue the clarinet and work harder for the future.
One of Veer’s most memorable musical experiences has been playing with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain in 2023 and 2024. Playing with other talented young musicians and working with the amazing tutors was an exceptional experience for him. This year, he is excited to play with the Main Orchestra, which includes a one week residential. Veer loves the social aspect of playing an instrument – connecting with other young musicians and making lifelong friends.
Veer is so grateful for the encouraging and nurturing environment and the musical opportunities The Hall has provided throughout his time at school. He is looking forward to continuing his musical journey at St Paul’s School.