The final of RELEASE 2026 , Guildhall Young Artists’ (GYA) composition competition, was held on Saturday 12 September at Guildhall School’s Milton Court Concert Hall. The event was hosted by Jeffery Wilson, founder and Creative Director of RELEASE, and actor and Guildhall alumna, Sophia Roberts, and featured premiere performances of twelve new compositions. The finalists were chosen by an adjudicating panel consisting of saxophonist and owner of Saxtet Publications, Tom Bruton, Deputy Head of Electronic and Produced Music and Lead Professor of Film Music at Guildhall School Barbara De Biasi, composer, orchestrator, and arranger Matthew Sheeran, and Sub-director of Studies and Teaching Associate at St John's College, Tim Watts. Upper 5 pupil, Isaac S, won the ‘Release the Song’ category with his setting of two Shakespeare songs. Hear them here on YouTube. He will receive mentoring from ‘Audio Network’ professionals and attend an orchestral session at Abbey Road as well as a live masterclass with Paul Ressel and a cash prize. Isaac was also awarded second place with his string quartet Burnt Norton. Isaac commented: "The joy of the whole thing is that it's such an eclectic competition, there's been a really wonderful breadth of entries and it offers opportunities to young composers in all genres, forms and all media. There are so many opportunities across a whole breadth of disciplines out there and it represents many of them. It's wonderful to have more recognition wanting to go into composition professionally later in life."

On Friday 3 July, the annual Norwich School Bandfest performance took place, rounding up the Gather 26 showcase in style. The evening brought together an impressive line-up of pupil musicians showcasing everything from solo performances and acoustic duos to full bands across the Main stage, Mini stage and the brand-new Outdoor Stage. With a packed programme, the event celebrated the breadth of musical talent within the Norwich School community. The evening opened with a DJ set from Sophie S and Henry D, setting the upbeat atmosphere before the live performances began. The first band to take to take to the Main Stage was Egg , a collective of guitar players featuring Seb C, Annabelle H, Henry K, Arthur L, Jake L, Tom M, Leila M, Lara N, Merlin P, Freddie P, JJ S, Sam W, Oscar C and Jacob C. Their high energy performance kicked off the evening in style. The Outdoor Stage then welcomed Beth for an amazing solo performance comprising multiple original songs, before Becky B returned the action to the Main Stage with Tommy C, Emmanuel M and Lily Mei M singing a beautiful selection of her own original songs. The intimate Mini Stage hosted Pearl L for the first of two featured solo performances during the evening, offering audiences a fantastic rendition of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer , to which the audience could not resist dancing along to. Next came Friday , featuring Caleb A, Rosie B, Tom C, Elise F, Joyce H and Mateo V, followed by Forest Thing , with Will C, Henry L and Finlay M, continuing the run of original pupil bands. Following Pearl Lee's second Mini Stage appearance, Whist took over the Main Stage, with Oscar C, Tommy C, Jacob C, Maleeya W, and Ernie H. The Outdoor Stage then featured an amazing solo performance from Rosie B , before the evening moved into its final stretch. Rhapsode , featuring Oli C, Lev O, Sam P, Sahib W and Maleeya W, delivered another full-band performance on the Main Stage that got audiences wanting more, before the closing acts kept the momentum going. Parallax , featuring Oscar C, Jacob C, Rima K, Ernie Hand Alex S returned to the Main Stage followed by Ernest , with Oscar C, Ellery F and Ernie H, providing a high energy and atmospheric performance. The evening rounded up with a change of pace on the Outdoor Stage with a powerful rendition of Evergreen and Linger by Rupert G and Naomi W closing this year’s Bandfest. One of the defining features of this year's programme was the number of musicians appearing in multiple acts. Performers including Oscar C, Jacob C, Ernie H, Tommy C and Rosie B contributed to several performances across the evening, demonstrating both their versatility and the collaborative nature of the event.  From DJs and solo artists to acoustic duos and larger ensembles, Bandfest 2026 showcased a diverse range of musical styles and provided a platform for pupils to perform, collaborate and celebrate live music together. The varied programme ensured there was something for every audience member, making for an enjoyable evening that highlighted the creativity and talent within the school community.