Bishop Luffa Musician Wins Prestigious National Award

Bishop Luffa performers have been awarded a wealth of trophies at a prestigious national music festival.

Under the leadership of Head of Music, Jane Bowen-Melfi, Bishop Luffa School’s soloists, musicians and girls’ chamber choir have not only won bronze, silver and gold trophies following their participation in the third UK Schools Music Festival 2026, but have also seen one musician garner a life-changing win.

Following a review of all Gold Awardees from both the live competition and video submissions, Year 12 student Izzy Deans has been awarded the Guildhall Young Artists Online Prize prize for her advanced trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn performance.

Mrs Bowen-Melfi said: “At the festival, Sophie Williams and Izzy Deans were awarded Gold for their solo performances.  We are now thrilled that Izzy has been awarded this phenomenal prize for her musicality, expression and technique. She has won a significant amount for online tuition, to support her application to music college next year.”

In addition, the school’s Jazz Band, led by English teacher Steve Collins, was awarded Silver and the La Diva chamber choir has been awarded Bronze.

Heads of Guildhall Young Artists Online Joshua Jones and Julie Beaman said: “We have been particularly impressed by the breadth of talent on display across the country.  We felt Izzy captured us completely in her musicality, with a sense of joy in her performance."

The school’s two chamber choirs – La Diva and Los Divos – regular perform at city events.  Recent occasions include Evensong at Chichester Cathedral and a performance in The Assembly Rooms, Chichester.

On Friday 5th June, the choir was invited to sing at a Triangulation event for the Rotary Clubs of Speyer, Germany, and Faenza, Italy, hosted by the Mayor on behalf of the Rotary Club of Chichester. They sang Mozart’s Ave Verum, Three Little Maids by Gilbert & Sullivan and other classical and rock pieces.

Mrs Bowen-Melfi said: “This was a wonderful experience for the choir. We were also very grateful to be awarded a scholarship by Town Crier Richard Plowman on behalf of the Rotary Club of Chichester.  This generous donation will make a significant difference to our choir tour to Normandy in Spring 2027.  At the tour, La Diva and Los Divos will be singing with the local conservatoire, as well as at a chateau and the world-famous Basilica Ste Therese in Lisieux.”

Before the tour, the choir is already booked to sing at the Chichester Assembly Rooms on 30th September, in Chichester Cathedral on 8th December and at Pallant House Gallery on 10th December.