Welcome to the latest edition of Purcell’s Weekly Highlights!
Leeds International Piano Competition Finalists
We are so very proud to be able to announce that not one but two of our alumni have made it through to the Finals of the Leeds International Piano Competition. Alim Beisembayev and Thomas Kelly complete the final five pianists to compete for the Gold Medal of this prestigious competition.
The Finals take place today (17th September) and Saturday 18th September at Leeds Town Hall. The finalists will be joined by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Manza. Both alumni are scheduled to perform today from 7pm, with Alim playing Rachmaninov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A Minor, Op 43’, while Thomas presents Beethoven’s ‘Concerto No 4 in G, Op 58’. We wish them both the very best of luck!
It looks set to be a phenomenal final, particularly for those lucky enough to have audience tickets. Fortunately, the event will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, with the performances available free to view, live and on demand, through leedspiano.medici.tv.
2021 John Locke Institute Essay Competition
Year 13 Philosophy student Laura has taken Second Prize in the Theology Essay category of 2021 John Locke Institute Essay Competition, and also received a Commendation in the Philosophy Essay category. In addition, Laura was invited to spend the weekend at Oxford University, where the Institute is based, and attended a celebratory dinner and prize giving ceremony. What an accomplishment! We are delighted for Laura.
Wigmore Hall: Save the Date
Purcell’s young musicians and alumni will return to London’s Wigmore Hall in just a few weeks’ time. The evening recital will take place on Sunday 10th October at 7.30pm, and tickets are now on sale through the venue’s online box office here.
We are excited, eager and very much relieved to be able to perform at this important venue once again, and hope to see lots of familiar as well as new faces in the audience.
Click image below to expand.
Open Morning
Our forthcoming autumn Open Morning will also take place on Sunday 10th October. We look forward to welcoming prospective students and parents, who will meet staff and students, take in the campus facilities and enjoy the outstanding music-making that characterises the School. Furthermore, at the Open Morning, we will be launching a new first study option for the School – Audio Production – which will come into effect from September 2022.
Audio Production will be open to students entering Year 12 only, who have a supporting instrument to Grade 5 standard.
Please complete the Open Morning Registration Form here to attend.
Woodwind and Brass Open Afternoon
On Sunday 17th October from 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Purcell will host a free Woodwind and Brass Open Afternoon for young musicians aged 10-15 years, playing at Grade 4 standard or above. All attendees will take part in a masterclass and a performance opportunity, as well as being able to play together for fun with Purcell instrumental teachers, Head of Woodwind Joy Farrall and Director of Music Paul Hoskins.
Online registration is required for this event. Please register here.
Click image below to expand.
