CHRIS HARBOUR Director of Development
As the days grow longer and the sun shines a bit brighter, the School closes for the Easter break on what has been another incredible term, filled with an array of achievements and excitingevents.
In this edition of Notes from Purcell, you’ll find highlights of recent successes, upcoming performancesandwaystostayinvolved.Onpage6youcanfindouttheresultsofourSenior Concerto Competition, which featured incredible performances by students from our String, Keyboard,WoodwindandHarpdepartments.
OurorchestralperformanceatCadoganHallinFebruaryhighlightednotjustthetalentofour students, but their maturity in dealing with adversity, following a last minute change in conductor. The evening featured engaging performances of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor andDvořák’s Symphony No. 8,allbroughttolife withenergyandwarmthbythestudentsandguestconductorDanRosina.
Inordertosupportouryoungmusicianswithaccesstotheseperformanceopportunities(and theireducationhere,asawhole),theSchoolisaregisteredcharity.Oneavenueofsupportwe receive for our students is via the Friends of The Purcell School membership scheme, a communityofindividualdonorsgivingaregulargiftatalevelwhichsuitsthem Onpage17 youwillreadmoreaboutourFriendsschemeandthebenefitsonoffertoitsmembers,suchas 50% off concert ticket prices. If you are in a position to give and believe in supporting the futureofthearts,pleaseconsiderjoiningusasaFriendoftheSchool.
AswelookaheadtotheSummerTerm,besuretokeepaneyeonoureventslistingsonour website for upcoming performances at the School, in London and further afield and do not hesitatetocontactusifyouneedanyfurtherinformation.
WishingyouallawonderfulEasterandhopetoseeyouataconcertsoon!
Year11violinistIreh,achievedan outstandingSecondPrizeintheXIII OdinInternationalMusic CompetitionovertheChristmas holidays
Year11pianistPijusshowcasedhis exceptionaltalentinarecitalatthe prestigiousOrganumHallin Vilnius,Lithuania.Invitedto performafterwinningSecondPrize andthreespecialprizesatthe BalysDvarionasInternational CompetitioninApril2024,Pijus captivatedtheaudiencewith worksbyBeethovenand Mendelssohn.
Therecitalconcludedwitha standingovation,withaudience memberspraisingPijusforhis maturity,stylisticawarenessand virtuosity.
Year10pianistLucaachievedan extraordinarymilestoneatthe 12thCésarFranckInternational PianoCompetition,advancingto thefinalroundheldon21st DecemberinBelgium.Performing Scriabin’sSonataandBeethoven’s Sonataalongsideothertalented finalists,
LucasecuredFirstPrizeandwas alsoawardedtheSantaCecilia InternationalFestivalPrize.This specialhonourincludesan invitationtoperformarecitalin Portugalduringthefestival’snext season.
AsaFirstPrizewinner,Luca performedintheGalaConcertthe followingevening,wherehis exceptionalmusicalityearned highpraisefromboththejuryand audience.Healsohadthe opportunitytoparticipateinan inspiringmasterclasswith ProfessorPhilippeRaskin,a distinguishedteacheratmusic universitiesinItaly,Franceand Austria.
Tristan,(Year12,violin)hasbeen awardedthetitleofNorfolkYoung Musician2025.
Theannualcompetition,organised bytheMichaelBadminton MusiciansTrust,saw15talented youngmusiciansfromacross Norfolkshowcasetheirskills RenownedcellistJoelyKoos adjudicatedthecompetitionand commendedalloftheparticipants ontheir‘impressiveperformances’.
ExcitingnewsforYear13singersongwriterOscar!Histrack ‘VictoriaLine’,whichalsofeatures thevocalsofYear13singer Clementine,hasbeenselected forairplayonBBCMusic IntroducingintheSouthWest. Thesongwasbroadcaston Thursday30thJanuary,across BBCRadioCornwall,Devonand BBCSoundsandrepeatedairing onSaturday1stFebruary
Pianostudent,Elizabeth(Year7) tookpartinthefinalofthe KingstonMusicFestival,where selectedwinnersfromvarious instrumentalcategorieswere invitedtoperform.Her outstandingperformanceearned hertheprestigioustitleof KingstonYoungMusician2025!
Freshoffhissolodebutwiththe LondonInternationalConcert Orchestraunderthebatonof AlexanderWalkeratSt.James Piccadilly,Kutay(year10)was acceptedintothehighlyselective WinterSoloPerformance IntensiveProgrammeinMiami–anopportunityreservedforjust 25stringplayersworldwide.
Luca
Duringtheprogramme,Kutayhad theprivilegeofstudyingwith esteemedmembersofthe PhiladelphiaOrchestraand renownedviolinistssuchasElli Choi,thethird-placewinnerofthe 2024QueenElisabethCompetition. Hisexperienceculminatedina performanceattheConcerto ConcertinMiami,markingan unforgettableandrewarding musicaljourney.
AsPrincipalClarinetoftheBromley YouthSymphonyOrchestra(BYSO), Marina(Year12)wasselectedto enterandwontheRotaryDistrict 1120YoungMusicianCompetitionin Sheerness.Followinghersuccessat theBromleycompetition,Marina nowadvancestotheCluster/SemiFinalsround.
Inrecognitionofhertalent,shehas alsobeeninvitedtoperformatthe prestigiousRotaryGalaConcertat CobhamHall,Kent,on11thApril
PianostudentsSaule(Year10)and Tracy(Year12)achieved remarkablesuccessattheOxford MusicFestivalon1stFebruary,each winningFirstPlaceintheir respectivecategoriesand
showcasingtheirexceptional musicaltalent.
InadditiontosecuringFirstPrize andadiplomaforoutstanding performance,Saulewasalsoinvited toperformatthefestival’sGala Concerton15thFebruary
Onthe29thJanuary,Year13 studentsSamuelandNatty, togetherwithPurcellalumnusLouis Richardson,performedasthetrio NSLfusionExperienceatthe renownedPizzaExpressSohoJazz Club.SupportingdrummerJack Mandersatthissold-outevent,they deliveredanelectrifying performance,joinedbyguest musiciansYear13Clementineand Year10Seth.
Overthehalftermbreak,Year11 studentVonwonFirstPrizeinthe GrandVirtuosoInternational Competition2025!Thisprestigious achievementmeansshewillmake herdebutattheKammermusiksaal ofthePhilharmonieinBerlinthis April.
Addingtotheexcitement,Vonhas alsoadvancedtothepreliminary roundoftheVictoriaBCN
InternationalViolinCompetitionin theJuniorscategory Thishighly competitiveeventwilltakeplacein Barcelonafrom18thto20thApril.
Stephanie(Year7)travelledto HongKonginhalftermtocompete intheInternationalEuropeanMusic Competition2025(HongKong Region)andemergedasChampion intheHarpJuniorCategory(ages 13andunder)
Stephanieisnowlookingforward tocompetingintheFinalinJuly 2025atKircheSt.Johannis HarvestehudeinHamburg, Germany.
Year11percussionistHannah,has earnedacovetedspotonJuilliard’s prestigioussummerpercussion programme.Thisintensivetwoweekcourse,ledbyworldrenownedinstructors,including Juilliardfacultyandguestartists, offersyoungmusiciansthe opportunitytostudy,perform,and immersethemselvesinthevibrant atmosphereofNewYork’sLincoln Center.
Hannahexcelledinarigorous auditionprocess,competingagainst
Adi(Year13)hasrecentlyachieved significantmilestonesinher compositioncareer:
Adi’schamberworkforsixplayers willbeperformedattheMostly ModernFestivalinNewYorkCity fromJune5th–20th,bytheAmerican ModernEnsemble,animpressive achievement,asthefestivalusually featuresprofessionalcomposers.
Toaddtothissuccess,Selinwas awardedFirstPrizeoverallinthe HarpCompetitionattheCroydon MusicFestival. topyoungpercussionistsworldwide. Sheperformedacrossmultiple instruments,showcasingworksby Bach,Delécluse,andWoud.
Adi‘stwoorchestralcompositions advancedtothefinalsofthe10th EditionoftheORIENT/OCCIDENT MusicComposers’Competition, scheduledinFebruary. TheKLK SymphonyOrchestrainUkraine rehearsedandperformedherworks animpressivefeatinthisopen-age competition.
Addingtohersuccess,Adiwasalsoa finalistintheHighSchoolCategory ofTheSoundEnsembleComposition Competition,demonstratingher growingrecognitioninthefield.
Year11harpistSelinachieved outstandingsuccessatthe BromleyMusicFestivalon9th March,winningallthreeclassesin whichshecompeted.Asaresult ofthisimpressiveachievement, Selinwasinvitedtoperformatthe StarPerformersConcertlaterin themonth–awonderful recognitionofhertalentand dedication
Yakub(Year11,violin)wonFirst PlaceintheConcertoorRecital (15-17years,Grade8andabove) categoryattheNorthLondon Festival.
Year13harpistAaronandYear10 pianistLucagaveabrilliantjoint recitalatBechsteinHallon16th FebruaryaspartoftheYoung ArtistSeries.
Bothmusiciansdelivered outstandingperformances, earninghighpraisefromthe audience Theexceptionalquality oftheBechsteinpianomadethe experienceevenmorespecial, withLucadescribingitasthebest pianohehaseverplayed–a particularlymeaningfulmoment givenhislifelongadmirationfor Bechsteininstruments.
Suanoi(Year13)isbestknownfor hisskillasaflautistbutduringhis timeatPurcellhehastakenhis secondstudy,singing,very seriously.OnSunday,hetookpart inthefinaloftheJuniorRecital Competitionheldbythe AssociationofEnglishSingersand Speakers Thistookplaceina beautifulwoodpanelled auditoriuminSt.Paul’sGirls’ School Hewasrunner-up,having givenaverystrongrecitalwhich wasveryablyaccompaniedby Yifei(Year13).
Year12violinistJuliahasbeen selectedtoparticipateinthehighly competitiveMorningsideMusic Bridge(MMB)internationalsummer programmeattheNewEngland ConservatoryofMusicinBoston, USA,thissummer
MMBisaneliteprogrammeforthe world’smostgiftedyoung musicians(ages12-18),offeringa fullscholarshiptojust18violinists
globally–andJuliaistheonly participantfromtheUK!Thisalso marksherthirdtimetakingpartin theprogrammeandistestamentto herplayingandmusicianship
SummerSky (Year7)hasachieved herfirstcompetitionsuccessasa PurcellstudentattheWatford Festivalon1stMarch2025. CompetingintheGrade7–8bowed stringsandharpcategory,shewon herclassandwasalsorecognisedas themostpromisingyoungbowed stringsplayer.
Summerwentontohavefurther successattheNorthLondon FestivalofMusicon14thMarch. CompetingintheConcertoor Recital(9-11years)category, Summerdeliveredanoutstanding performanceandwonFirstPlace.
Year13Commercialpianoandvoice studentOscarhasjustreleasedhis latestsingle,‘End of the Summer!’ Co-written,performedand producedwithPurcellalumnus NathanielMerkes(nowstudyingat theRoyalCollegeofMusic),the trackbecameavailableonall streamingplatformsonFriday28 March. th
OnSunday16thMarch,Year13 pianistYazdiparticipatedinthe ReadingSymphonyOrchestra YoungMusicians’Competition, whereheimpressedtheesteemed panelofadjudicators–Cathal Garvey,ArielLanyiandCaroline Welsh–andwasawardedFirst Prize.Aspartofthisaward,hehas beengiventheexcitingopportunity toperformaconcertowiththe ReadingSymphonyOrchestrain theirupcomingseason.
Inadditiontothissuccess,Yazdi wasrecentlyinvitedtogivea45minuterecitalforTheEuropean PianoTeachersAssociationUK (EPTA)astheNationalWinnerofthe 2024Competition.Therecitaltook placeinPenshurst,Kent,wherehe playedtoanappreciative,fullcapacityaudience
Lilly(Year11)andLucas(Year9), bothdeliveredwinning performancesattheCambridge CommunityMusicFestivallast weekend.Competingintheir respectiveWoodwindandString categories,theybothsecuredFirst Place,showcasingtheirexceptional musicaltalents.
Kutay(Year10),wonFirstPrizein theViolaClass(13-14years)atthe NorthLondonFestival!This achievementisparticularly remarkableasitwashisfirst-ever soloperformanceontheviola, whichishisthirdstudyinstrument. Congratulationstoallour studentsontheirrecent achievements.
SENIOR CONCERTO COMPETITION
Sunday 30 March saw the grand final of our Senior Concerto Competition. Over 30 students entered the competition in February, having learned a whole concerto and played earlier roundsinpiano,strings,andwind/brass/percussion/harpcategories.
Teodora
Foranystudentatthisageitisanexceptionalachievementtoplayafullconcerto,andthelevel of all the category finalists was really high. At The Purcell School we don't hold many competitions,preferringtoprioritiseco-operationandcollaboration;butthereisnodoubtthat thefocusbroughtbythiskindofeventbringsexperiencesthatourteenagerswillneverforget
Thepiecesthattheylearn-generallyfrommemory-willremainintheirmindsandtheirfingers fortherestoftheirlives.
Celeste
OuradjudicatorwasPeterMoore,aformerwinnerofBBCYoungMusicianoftheYear,andthe youngestevermemberoftheLondonSymphonyOrchestra.Hewascompletelyoverwhelmed bythestandardoftheplaying,andsaidthatanyofthesixfinalistscouldhappilyperformatthe Royal Albert Hall with a professional orchestra tomorrow - he couldn't quite believe how assured and relaxed they were, and how much they were able to enjoy it. This is a great testamenttothemandtoeveryoneattheSchool.Theatmosphereintheaudiencewassuitably excited,supportiveandadmiring.
Rhys
Thank you to our fabulous accompanying pianists, who had to learn not one but many concertos,andbeanentireorchestramanytimesover:DebbieShah,DanielSwainandFlorian Mitrea.
TakingjointFirstPlace,Anna(piano)andJulia(violin)willbeperformingtheTchaikovsky Piano Concerto no. 1 and the Korngold Violin Concerto with the school orchestra, most likely in CadoganHallinFebruary2026andMiltonCourtinJuly2026,datestobeconfirmed.
Phoebe
Theotherfinalistswereallhighlycommended.
Phoebe
Aaron-Ginastera Harp Concerto
Phoebe-Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no. 2
Shlomi -Paganini Violin Concerto no 1
Suanoi-Jolivet Flute Concerto no. 1
Afterherwin,Annasaid“IamfeelinggratefultohavewonFirstPrizeintheSeniorConcerto CompetitionatPurcell!IamveryhappythatItookpartinthiscompetitionwhichisanhonour foreverystudent!
“IwanttosayabigthankyoutomywonderfulpianoteacherTessaNicholson,whohasalways beenthereformeandtomyincredibleaccompanistFlorianMitreaforsupportingmeand accompanyingmethroughoutthisjourney!
“Ialsowanttosayahugebravotoalltheamazingstudentswhotookpart.Yourhardwork, talentandperformancesweretrulyoutstanding.
“IamveryexcitedtobeperformingtheTchaikovsky Piano Concerto no 1 nextyearwithThe PurcellSchoolSymphonyOrchestra!”
AnnaandFlorian
Julia’sperformanceimpressedtheadjudicatorwith hermaturity,musicality,andtechnicalcommand.
Asoneoftheselectedsoloists,shewillalsogoonto performwiththePurcellSchoolSymphony Orchestrain2026–asignificantopportunityand honourforanyyoungmusician.
TheschoolextendsitscongratulationstoJuliaand Annaonthisfantasticachievementand acknowledgesthededication,hardwork,and artistrythatledtotheirsuccess.
MASTERCLASSES
HereareafewhighlightsofthefantasticMasterclassopportunitiesourstudentshave experiencedthisterm...
Our Bassoonists were thrilled to have a masterclass with renowned bassoonist Amy Harman. Many aspects of bassoon playing were covered including posture, technique, reeds and embouchure, to name a few. The bassoonists delivered a wonderful range of musicfromBachtoGershwin,solos,duetsand quartets,allcoachedbyAmy.
The String Department had the privilege of hosting acclaimed conductor and viola player Roger Benedict for an inspiring viola masterclass.
Roger shared his wealth of expertise with our students, providing valuable insights and guidance.AspecialcongratulationstoDianna, Yagmur,AleksandHarryfortheiroutstanding performancesandcommitmentthroughoutthe session.
WeweredelightedtowelcomeChrisRichards, Principal Clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and Professor at the Royal AcademyofMusic,todeliveramasterclassfor our clarinettists. Chris worked with Samsara (Year 10), Marina (Year 12) and the Clarinet EnsembleintheLisztRoom,andalsocoached
Tom and Birce (Year 13) on Poulenc’s Sonata for Two Clarinets.
Chris then delivered an evening public masterclass in the CP Hall where he worked withTomandBirceassoloistsbeforefinishing the night with the Clarinet Ensemble working onFarkas’ Early Hungarian Dances.
EarlyFebruarysawtheluxuryoftwomasterclassesforthePurcellSchoolclassicalsingers.
Visiting Chinese professor, Ying Liu (mezzo soprano), who teaches at the Xinghai Conservatoire in Guangzhou,gaveahighlyenjoyableandenthusiasticclasswhichthestudentsfoundverybeneficial.
Students were also treated to what has become a regular annual visit from Richard Jackson who teaches at several London conservatoires. He brought his usual deft touch to help the students explorethedepthsoftheirsongs’textstofurthercolourtheirperformances.Athoroughlygoodtime washadbyall.
On Thursday 27th February, students had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a piano masterclass with the renowned pianist and educatorNiklasPokki.Thesessionwasaninspiring exploration of interpretation, technique and musical expression, providing students with expert guidanceandfreshperspectivesontheirrepertoire.
String students had another incredible opportunity to participate in a viola masterclass led by ProfessorHoufromtheXinghaiConservatoireinGuangzhou.ViolaplayersYagmurandDiannaboth took part, benefiting from Professor Hou’s expert guidance and insight. It was an inspiring session thatleftalastingimpactonallwhoattended.
SingerswereputthroughtheirpacesbyLindaHurst,onetimeHeadofSingingatTrinityLabananda distinguished singer, particularly of contemporary repertoire. This was part of their preparation of the Berio Folk Songs which will be performed in the Wigmore Hall at the beginning of the summer term.Marija(Year9),Sonya(Year10),Lia(Year10),Alina(Year12),Adi(Year13),Celeste(Year11), Ramona(Year13),Solomiya(Year12)andClem(Year13)werethesingersinvolved.Lindainspired them with her enthusiasm for this repertoire which she herself has performed and offered many technicalandmusicalinsightswhichwereinvaluable.
Studentsweretreatedtoaninspiringmasterclass withdoublebassistAdamBenEzra.Theyexplored new techniques and creative approaches to playing and composition, gaining fresh ideas to enhancetheirmusicality.Ahighlightofthesession was playing alongside Adam and his signature loops,anexperiencethestudentstrulyloved! Adam expressed his pleasure in working with the students, sharing his knowledge and expertise. A fantasticandenrichingsessionforallinvolved!
GODALMING CONSERVATOIRE
On Thursday 9th January, a group of our young musicians delivered an outstanding performance at the Godalming Conservatoire Baroque Concert. The event showcased the remarkable skill and professionalism of our students, earning them praise from the Chairperson of Conservatoire Concerts, Suzanne Cacciottolo, who wished to ‘congratulate all the students’ and was ‘amazedbytheirexcellentperformances’.
LEEDS CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES
OnWednesday5thFebruary,studentsSuanoi,Birce, Thomas,Rebecca,Isabella,Dianna,EllaandRina travelledtoLeedsConservatoiretoperformarecitalaspart oftheLeedsChamberMusicConcertseries.
Studentsperformedthebelowprogrammetoafulland extremelyappreciativeaudience.
Debussy Syrinx(forsoloflute)
Debussy DansesSacreeetProfane(forharpandstring quartet)
Lili Boulanger Nocturne(forfluteandpiano)
Poulenc SonataforTwoClarinets
Ravel Jeuxd’eau(arr.forsoloharp)
Ravel IntroductionandAllegro(orflute,clarinet,harpand stringquartet)
AFTERNOON CONCERT AND BENSLOW MUSIC TRUST
EightstudentsperformedinachambermusicconcertatBenslowMusicTrusttoaveryappreciative audience,whoexpressedmanycomplimentsoverthepost-concertafternoonteaenjoyedbyboth the musicians and audience. Congratulations to Kate, Kateryna, Chaeyu, Kevin, Fabienne, Hannah,MatiasandCindy.
JAZZ STUDENTS IMPRESS AT BERKHAMSTEAD JAZZ CLUB
On Saturday 8th February, Purcell’s Jazz Department delivered an unforgettable performance at the BerkhamstedJazzClub,playingtoasold-outaudienceof 110 in the packed Civic Hall. The evening featured an electrifyingmixofDerekNash’soriginalcompositionsand popular jazz standards, showcasing the extraordinary talentofThePurcellSchool’syoungmusicians.
Thenightopenedwithanupliftingsetbythesupportact –Natty,SamandClem–whoseinnovativearrangements set an inspiring tone for the evening. The concert continued with impressive performances from Cole, Angelica, Albert, Lucas, Sam, Elliott, Seth, Arthur, Otto, Julianna, Keir, Ramona and Clem, each playing withremarkableprofessionalismandflair
SpecialguestsDerekNash(saxophones)andMartinShaw (trumpet) joined the students on stage, adding their expertise and charisma to the vibrant atmosphere. The eventwassuchasuccessthatourstudentshavealready beeninvitedbackforanotherperformance.
THE JONATHAN LEVENE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT
We were delighted to present a stunning concert to an invited audience of 180 from The JonathanLeveneMusicScholarship.Theprogrammewasatrueshowcaseofhowvariedand talented our students are in their performance abilities. High class solos, duos, trios and quartetsfromtheclassicaldepartmentwerecomplimentedwithboththemarvellousMiddle School Jazz Group and one of our wonderful session bands, providing an excellent all round visionintoThePurcellSchoolmusicalworld.
Well done to Mason, Leo, Thomasine, Yifei, Stephanie, Zev, Zhuldyz, Aaron, Shlomi, Ken Ros, Tristan, Mahla, Julianna, Otto, Lucas, Seth, Boris, Marija, Albert, Cole, Sam, Angelica,Clem,Yoel,Thomas,Birce,Ella,Jessie,Teresa,Ostap,Lilly,RowenaandElsa.
A group of six Sixth Form students performed at Barnes Arts Festival on 19th March in their lunchtime concert
The programme included a rare performance of the clarinet quartet by Walter Rabl, performed in full by Thomas, Tristan, Jessie and Yazdi. Phoebe and Leo opened the concert with an emotional rendition of Schubert’s Divertissement a la Hongroise for piano four hands.The audience included students from two secondary schools and the performances were received withenthusiasticapplauseandcheersattheend.
THE PURCELL SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT CADOGAN HALL
OnMonday10thFebruary,CadoganHallhostedanengagingeveningfeaturingworksbyRavel, Beethoven and Dvořák. Due to unforeseen circumstances, a last-minute change in conductor sawguestmastroDanRosinastepintoleadtheperformance.Underhismasterfuldirection,The PurcellSchoolSymphonyOrchestraopenedwithRavel’s Mother Goose Suite incommemoration ofthecomposer’s150thanniversary.
Pianist Herman Cerisha, an alumnus of The Purcell School, then took to the stage with an engagingperformanceofBeethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor
The evening closed with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, brought to life with energy and warmth by bothRosinaandtheorchestra.Theconcertwasatriumph,showcasingourstudents’captivating musicalityandprofessionalism.
SOUTH HILL PARK CONCERT
ThirteenPurcellstudentspresentedabeautifulevening of chamber music at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell, a few of them returning for the second and third time to perform at the venue The programme included music by Mozart, Schubert, Mahler, Kreisler and Ravel performed to an intimate audience in the historicrecitalroom.Studentsalsoenjoyedstrollingon the grounds and having a pre-performance hot chocolate.
Well done to Zarema, Kira, Julia, Sonya, Harry, Jessie,Anna,Matias,TristanM,Shlomi,Dianna,Ken andTristanH.
SIXTH FORM CHOIR AT ST. DOMINIC’S PRIORY
On Thursday 27th March, the Sixth-Form Choir visited St. Dominic’s Priory in Camden to sing the beautiful Requiem by Duruflé, conducted by Chloë Allison and accompanied by Jeremiah Stephenson on the church’s historic Willis organ. Arthur in Year 10 was the other organist of the evening,whoopenedtheprogrammewiththesecondmovementofJSBach Sonata no 4 in E minor, BWV 528.CongratulationstoourSixthFormstudentsand25singersfromYears7-11.
STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH
OnSunday23rdMarch,theWind&Brassdepartmentweredelightedtotakefivechambergroupsto perform an afternoon concert in the wonderful surroundings of Stanborough Park Church The Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Trio, Saxophone Quartet, Bassoon Quartet and Wind Quintet performed works by Bach, Britten, Zempléni, Keating and Debussy to a large and receptive audience which includedourChairofGovernors,Dr.BernardTrafford.Onwhatwasthe5thanniversaryofwhenthe UK first went into lockdown, it was heartwarming to see our students perform live with such professionalism.
NICHOLAS DANIEL TO STEP DOWN FROM BRITTEN SINFONIA
Nicholas Daniel OBE, alumnus and founding member of Britten Sinfonia, announced that he will step down as Principal Oboe in April. His Co-Principal, Peter Facer, will takeonthefullrole.
Nicholas will bid farewell to his post following a special performance of Messiaen’s Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum at St George’s Catholic Cathedral, London, on 30th April, where he will conduct Britten Sinfonia and SinfoniaSmithSquare.Thisconcertwillserveasatributeto his33yearsofdedicationtotheorchestra.
We celebrate Nicholas’s tenure with Britten Sinfonia and eagerly look forward to seeing his continuedimpactintheworldofmusic.
ALUMNUS NAMED ON CLASSIC FM’S ‘RISING STARS UNDER 30’ LIST
We are thrilled to share that Purcell alumnus Kasparas Mikuzis has been featured on Classic FM’s prestigious ‘30 Rising Stars Under 30’ list for 2025! This annual list celebrates the most exciting young classical musicians shaping the futureoftheindustry.
Kasparas’ inclusion is a testament to his exceptional talent and growing influence intheclassicalmusicworld.Youcanread more about his achievement and the full listofrisingstarshere.
ALUMNUS PERFORMS AT WIGMORE HALL
We are delighted to share that Purcell alumnus Tunde Jegede and the African Classical Music Ensemble performed as part of The African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall on Saturday 15th March at 730pm
This unique concert celebrated the richness of African classical music, blendingtraditionwithinnovation.Making it an unforgettable evening of musical artistry.
ALUMNUS WINS PRIX ÉLAN 2024
We are delighted to spotlight alumnus Arnau Brichs, a young composer from Barcelona, who is currentlygarneringinternationalacclaimfollowing aseriesofprestigiouscompetitiontriumphs.
Notably,ArnausweptthePrixÉlan2024inFrance, claiming all three prizes – The Jury Prize, The OrchestraPrizeandTheAudiencePrize–whilealso securing a win in the WCSMS Promising Young Composers Competition in the United States and theEricCoatesPrizeintheUnitedKingdom.
Arnau’s award-winning composition, Degrees of Presence,wascreatedusingDoricomusicnotation software.InarecentinterviewwithDorico,he
sharedinsightsintohiscreativeprocess,discussinghowheexploresinnovativetechniquesand balancestechnicalprecisionwithemotionaldepthinhiswork.
MAGDALENE HO WINS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL PIANO AWARD
The Purcell School is proud to celebrate the success of alumna Magdalene Ho, who recently won the International Piano Award Germany 2024, sponsored by Bechstein. The award,achievedjustweeksbeforeChristmas, highlightsMagdalene’sextraordinarytalent.
Patsy Toh, Magdalene’s instrumental teacher during her time at The Purcell School, shared her delight at this achievement, noting that Magdalene is receiving much-deserved recognition and is embarking on a promising professionalcareer.
WILLIAM FONG PIANO RECITAL
William Fong, Head of Keyboard, gave a heartfelt performance of pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, and Ravel on Thursday 13th March in our CP Hall. Showcasinghisbrillianttechnicalskillswithprofound emotional depth, William made a strong connection withtheaudience,leavingthemineageranticipation forfutureperformances.
PURCELL‘S JUNIOR COMPOSER IN ASSOCIATION PREMIERES
NEW WORK AT THE BARBICAN
WearethrilledtosharetheexcitingnewsofLaraAgar,Purcell’sJuniorComposerinAssociation, whose latest composition was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) at a packed BarbicanonSunday.
Theperformancewasmetwithgreatenthusiasm,with The Guardian highlightingtheeventintheir review.ThisisaremarkableachievementforLaraandwelookforwardtoseeinghercontinueto makewavesintheworldofcomposition.
COMPOSER MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF BRITAIN’S WORST MARITIME DISASTER
JacquesCohen,composerandcompositionteacheratThePurcellSchool,hascreated Lancastria, a choral and orchestral piece marking the 85th anniversary of the RMS Lancastria’s sinking Britain’sworstmaritimedisaster.On17thJune1940,Germanaircraftbombedtheshipduringthe evacuation from France, resulting in up to 7,000 deaths. News of the tragedy was suppressed by Churchill,leavingitalesser-knowneventinhistory.
Commissioned for Lloyd’s Choir, Lancastria sets Tennyson’s poem Crossing the Bar alongside the Scottish folk tune Flowers of the Forest, often played at military memorials. The world premiere tookplaceatStGiles’Cripplegateon27thMarch,withasecondperformanceatStKatharineCree inJuneaspartoftheannualmemorialservice.
Music has the power to transform lives, but for many gifted young musicians, the opportunitytopursuetheirtalentisonlypossiblewithsupportfrompeoplelikeyou.
From as little as just £5 per month, you can give access to a world-class musical education to the next generation of musicians and provide support to our extraordinaryyoungpeopleintheirpursuittofulfilltheirtalent.Inreturn,members receiveexclusivebenefitssuchas50%offconcertticketsandexclusiveperformances.
Irrespective of the amount, your regular donation will make an instrumental differencetothefutureofthearts.
Wehaveanumberofgivinglevelsavailable-clickonthelinksbelowtofindthemost suitableforyouaseitheraFriendoramemberofThe1962Circle.
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If you share in our vision for what an exceptional future for music looks like and believe that the education of the next generation of world-class musicians must be a priority, please scan the QR code or for more information, please contact Chris Harbour, Director of Development on c.harbour@purcell-school.orgor01923331131.
Email:info@purcell-school.org www.purcell-school.org