Mozart meets Peppa Pig at WNAT piano recital

The musical entertainment ranged from classical composers to fictional pigs, when pianists of all ages from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust came together to showcase their talents.

The WNAT Piano Recital was open to students from all 11 of the Trust’s primary and secondary schools, including Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, which hosted the event.

“These piano recitals are held twice a year, and rotate across the four high schools within the Trust,” explained Benjamin Howell, who is Peripatetic Music Lead at WNAT.

“They provide an invaluable opportunity for students to share their music, gain performance experience, and be inspired by one another in a supportive, informal environment.”

Besides Springwood, the Trust’s other high schools are Marshland, St Clement’s, and Smithdon; while WNAT primaries include Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Infant, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn. 

Performing to an appreciative audience of family members, carers, friends, and members of staff, around 20 students each took a turn at the grand piano in the Main Hall at Springwood.

“The Recital has grown significantly in popularity over the years,” said Mr Howell. “Previously held in our Recital Room, it has now outgrown that space.”

“We had a wide range of students participating from across the Trust’s primary and secondary schools, representing a variety of ages and abilities,” he continued.

“Performances featured an eclectic mix of repertoire, ranging from Mozart to the Peppa Pig theme, reflecting both our beginner and more advanced pianists, including some students performing at Grade 8 and beyond.

“One of the real highlights was seeing some of our primary pupils performing for the first time, alongside our more experienced high school musicians.”

Other staff supporting the event included WNAT Director of Music Robin Norman and Music Teacher Thomas Burt, alongside members of the Peripatetic Music Team.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the piano teaching team within the WNAT Peri Team for their continued commitment and support throughout the year in making these events possible,” added Mr Howell.