Nurturing the musical stars of the future

Education: Mark Hall, Norwich High School for Girls

 The Norwich High School for Girls annual Choral Concert, held at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, was a powerful showcase of musical ability, where soloists from Year 9 to Year 13 stepped into the spotlight to share their passion with an audience of family, friends and the wider school community.

For these singers, music is far more than an academic subject or an extracurricular activity; it is an essential part of their identity. From Baroque to contemporary repertoire, each soloist brought their unique interpretation and personality to the stage, demonstrating not only technical skill but also the emotional depth that sets great performers apart.

Our talented soloists

One of the standout soloists of the evening was a Year 13 student who is currently studying music and Spanish A levels, alongside a BTEC in sport. A passionate singer, particularly in the pop genre, she only began formal vocal lessons in early 2022, yet quickly achieved ‘distinction’ in her exams.

Beyond the school setting, she has already made her mark on Norfolk’s music scene, winning the inaugural Norfolk Singing Competition in 2024 and performing with Lee Vasey, as well as singing at the Royal Norfolk Show, John Lewis, local farmers’ markets and private events. As she prepares to continue her studies at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford this autumn, she carries with her the ambition of becoming a professional recording and performing artist.

Another exceptional soloist, also in Year 13 and a music scholar, balances four science A levels with a deep commitment to music. Having started piano at the age of five, taken up the oboe at nine and begun organ studies in 2022, this student’s breadth of musical experience is remarkable.

In school, as the Prep School Lead, she has built links between our prep and senior schools and even played the organ for the prep school’s carol service in Eaton Church. For the past 18 months, she has also served as the Organ Scholar at St Peter Mancroft. This September she will take on the same prestigious role at Gloucester Cathedral before pursuing an engineering degree. Her journey exemplifies how talent, when nurtured with dedication, can flourish across multiple disciplines.

Inspire, connect and transform

For all the soloists who took part in the Choral Concert, their performances were the culmination of years of practice, perseverance and a love for their craft. Whether singing before a packed cathedral or bringing a Baroque composition to life, each of them demonstrated the power of music to inspire, connect and transform.

At Norwich High School for Girls, music is not just an extracurricular pursuit – it is a platform for creativity, self-expression and the development of lifelong skills. As these young musicians continue their journeys, whether in professional music, academia or other fields, they carry with them not just their remarkable talent but also the confidence and artistry to make a lasting impact.