Music took centre stage on Saturday at the launch of the Truro School Music Project.  

An event to celebrate the importance of music was held to mark the development of transformative multi-million-pound music centre and the refurbishment of the multi-purpose Assembly Hall.  

Headmaster Andy Johnson welcomed pupils, alumni, staff, parents and guests from all over Cornwall and the UK. 

“This evening celebrates the importance of music and also launches the Truro School Music Project - not just for Truro School, but for the wider communities of Truro and Cornwall,” he said. “It is a project that we can all be proud to be a part of.” 

Scheduled for completion at the start of 2026, the project will create a hub for musical education and aspiration in Cornwall, offering ultra-modern facilities for pupils, the Truro community and beyond. 

Mr Johnson spoke of the significance of this project and the importance of music. “Music is a universal language and a connector of people across cultural, social, economic, political and geographical divides,” he said.  

“In a world where music access and provision are increasingly shrinking, especially in schools, our project is a force for connection, opportunity and aspiration.” 

Jerry Tate, founding director of Tate and Co (the architectural firm behind the project), showcased a phenomenal CGI walk-through of the plans for the new building, complemented by a bespoke musical score by former head boy Ollie Jones.

Encompassing a music centre complete with high-spec rehearsal, teaching, practice and performance spaces, the new building will look to the future not only in terms of the school and wider community but in terms of wellbeing and sustainability too. 

The plans will also include refurbishments to the existing Assembly Hall to create a dynamic space for examinations, celebrations, performances and community events. 

There followed an evening of information and entertainment. Guest speakers included Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) head Gareth Churcher and the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho.  

Director of music Richard Osmond welcomed a plethora of talented musicians from Truro School and the wider Cornish community for the evening’s performance. 

First to play were CMST SuperStrings, an ensemble featuring students from all over Cornwall. CMST is a charity providing music teaching, support and therapy to around 10,000 children across Cornwall. Now in its tenth year, it has a long-standing partnership with Truro School.  

Next, Truro Cathedral boy choristers Archie and Thomas treated the audience to two stunning solos, followed by a moving duet of Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck. The chorister partnership with Truro Cathedral is another example of Truro School’s wide-reaching commitment to music within Truro and Cornwall. 

The audience then enjoyed a rousing performance by the Truro School Jazz Orchestra of Orange Colored Sky by Delugg and Stein, followed by the Truro School 4th Year Band’s rendition of Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac. 

Two of the school’s youngest performers, Jensen (Year 6) and Alyssia (Year 5) showcased their piano skills with solos of Friedrich Kuhlau’s Allegro and Gillock’s Holiday In Paris. 

The evening drew to a close with performances from Truro School Chamber Choir and a preview from the forthcoming musical Crossroads, written by third Year pupil Scarlett Crowdy. 

The evening finished with a Beatles medley featuring all of the evening’s performers, appearing on stage as the Combined Cornwall Youth Musicians. 

• More information on the full details of the project, and a chance to view the plans is available at www.truroschool.com/community/truro-school-project