“We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves” (Ellen G White).
The British Union Conference (BUC) Adventist Community Services Department continues to spotlight entities, churches, and groups that are making a meaningful difference in their communities.
In this edition, we feature the East London School of Classical Music (ELSCM), which recently welcomed a visit from HRH The Duchess of Gloucester (pictured above).
We speak with Fiona Pacquette, Music Director of ELSCM and a member of Hampstead Seventh-day Adventist church.
SPM – The East London School of Classical Music has gained national prominence. Tell us a little about its history.
FP: The East London School of Classical Music (ELSCM) began on 5 April 2015 with just 10 students and five members of teaching staff. Its public inauguration, led by the late Brother Mike Johnson, marked the beginning of a vision that has since grown into a recognised centre for classical music education and community engagement.
In 2021, ELSCM became a registered charity, strengthening its commitment to widening access to classical music–particularly among children and families from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as those facing financial hardship.
For 10 years, ELSCM operated from Clapton Seventh-day Adventist church in Hackney before relocating in 2025 to its second site at Hyland House School in Tottenham, North London. Today, the school is a registered examination centre under Trinity College London and, since 2023, one of just 33 Trinity Champion Centres across the UK. Since 2016, its examination pass rate has consistently remained at 97%.
SPM – Please share with our readers the inspiration behind ELSCM.
FP: This mission reflects the school’s origins, envisioned by Pastor Elliot and the late Pastor David Burnett, then Area 6C Chair. Their goal was to establish a music school in East London as a community ‘Centre of Influence’, alongside health and education initiatives.
Following discussions in 2014, and after much prayer, I accepted the call to lead the project.
SPM – What are some of your ministry highlights to date?
FP: ELSCM’s work has received increasing national attention. A BBC News report in March 2026 highlighted the crisis facing British pipe organs, with more than 400 at risk of being lost. The Nelson pipe organ at Clapton Seventh-day Adventist church–owned by organ builder Martin Renshaw–was cited as one of the rare success stories.
The school has also been featured in an interview with Gina Wahlen of Adventist Mission (September 2025) and in the Trans-European Division (TED) Report at the General Conference Session in July 2025.
The 10th anniversary in April 2025 marked a significant milestone, beginning with a special Sabbath service, followed by the Play the Organ community event led by Sir Alan Parham.
ELSCM students and ensembles have performed in notable venues and national events. Senior students performed at the Houses of Parliament in July 2024, and in May 2024, the ELSCM Community Orchestra–featuring 55 BAME children and young people–performed at the Royal College of Music in a concert sponsored by the Arts Council.
The school has also been featured in BBC programmes such as Songs of Praise: The Sacred Sound of the Organ (2023) and the BBC4 documentary Organ Stops: Saving the King of Instruments (2022), which highlighted the restoration of the pipe organ at Clapton Seventh-day Adventist church.
SPM – What impact has ELSCM had on the community over the years?
FP: Since the pandemic, we have experienced a significant increase in enquiries, including referrals from Hackney Children’s Bank (formerly E5 Baby Bank), social services departments across London, and organisations supporting mental health and vulnerable families.
Our student body includes individuals facing a range of challenges, including mental health difficulties, ADHD, autism, and those from refugee backgrounds.
In April 2025, we launched a free two-year initiative, the Generations United Classical Music Project, bringing together individuals over 60, caregivers, and children from underprivileged backgrounds.
SPM – You have welcomed Royal visitors to your performances. Tell us about that.
FP: On 10 April, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester attended our Anniversary Celebratory Concert at Clapton Seventh-day Adventist church, where the ELSCM Project Orchestra and guest artists performed.
The Dagenham Eagles Drum Corps led a parade to welcome Her Royal Highness and her Lady-in-Waiting. She expressed great appreciation for the performances and was delighted to meet the young musicians.
SPM – How has being part of ELSCM impacted the students?
FP: For students under 25, ELSCM offers opportunities not only in performance but also in composition and leadership. As students progress, those aged 15 and above are given opportunities to teach beginners, helping to build confidence, responsibility, and pathways into music-related careers.
SPM – What would you say is the evangelistic impact of ELSCM?
FP: At its core, ELSCM is both a music school and a ministry. Performances at Seventh-day Adventist church services regularly bring community members into contact with the Church.
By inviting local musicians to join the orchestra, we create opportunities for cultural exchange, relationship-building, and meaningful engagement.
Now in its 11th year, ELSCM continues to expand. Its student base extends across the UK, and its first international collaboration–formed following its feature in the TED General Conference report–connects the school with Solusi University in Zimbabwe. Student performances have even been broadcast on the university’s campus radio.
Through dedication, community partnership, and a commitment to accessible classical music education, ELSCM continues to transform lives and strengthen communities both locally and internationally.
SPM: Thank you, Fiona. We praise God for the ministry of ELSCM and for the many lives being positively impacted through this remarkable work.
