Weekly Highlights 15th November 2024

Purcell Clarinettist Performs with Eleanor Meynell

We are delighted to share that Year 13 clarinettist Birce gave a wonderful recital alongside pianist Eleanor Meynell at St Christopher’s Care Centre on 29th October 2024.

The recital was a testament to Birce‘s dedication and talent, and her performance was warmly received by the audience. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Birce on this impressive achievement.

Purcell Student Performs at Royal Albert Hall

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of Oscar, Year 13 commercial piano and voice student, who recently reached the finals of the prestigious Royal Albert Hall Future Makers Competition.

Oscar entered the competition in May and was invited to audition in person with his band in July. The audition took place in the Elgar Room, where Oscar had the unforgettable experience of playing on Elton John’s iconic red piano. Following the audition, Oscar was selected as one of just eight finalists. Over the summer, he worked with the Royal Albert Hall’s marketing team and received invaluable advice from producer Tony Young.

The finals took place on Wednesday 6th November, when Oscar and his band of Purcellians – Clementine (Year 13, vocals), Sam (Year 13, drums), Ramona (Year 13, bass) and Cole (Year 13, guitar) – performed Oscar’s original song, Victoria Line, to an audience of over 4,000 children from London schools, as well as family, friends and a panel of esteemed judges.

Reflecting on the day, Oscar shared: ‘Performing at such a prestigious venue was the best day of my life and one I will never forget. Thank you to my incredible band for bringing this song to life!’

Congratulations to Oscar and his band for this incredible achievement!
 

Purcell Composer Wins Excellence Award at Yinzhong Prize Competition

We are thrilled to congratulate Year 13 student Cole, who was awarded the Excellence Award at the 6th Yinzhong Prize International Composition Competition. Cole’s piece, Tears, a moving composition for baritone, violin and piano, earned him a place as a finalist in this prestigious competition.

As part of the competition, Cole participated in an intense 8-hour live composing test, where he crafted a full piano piece in just one day. The winners were selected based on a combination of both submitted pieces and the composition created during the live test. Cole’s Excellence Award, which is equivalent to a highly commended recognition, is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

Congratulations Cole. We look forward to seeing what you will create next.
 

Purcell Clarinettist Awarded Prestigious Norman Harper Bursary

Congratulations to Marina, a Year 12 clarinettist, who has been awarded the Norman Harper Bursary for the most promising under-18 player. This prestigious accolade, which includes a £1,000 bursary, was presented by renowned clarinettist Emma Johnson on Sunday 10th November at the Ongar Music Club.

As part of the award, Marina was also invited to perform a solo during the prize winners’ concert that evening, showcasing her exceptional skill.

We are incredibly proud of Marina’s outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing her continue to excel.
 

Purcell Violinist Receives Rare Violin on Loan

We are excited to share that Year 12 violinist Julia has been given a unique opportunity to play an exceptional antique violin, crafted by the renowned luthier Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. This rare and valuable instrument, generously loaned by J&A Beare International Violin Society, will be an invaluable asset to Julia’s musical development.

The use of such a prestigious violin will undoubtedly enrich Julia’s education and contribute to her continued growth as a musician. We look forward to hearing how this beautiful instrument enhances her performances.
 

Purcell Physiotherapist Supports Young Musicians at NCO Winter Concert

Dr. Sarah Upjohn, Purcell’s physiotherapist, also serves as the Wellbeing Lead for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO). In this role, she provides support to young musicians during their intensive residential courses at Easter and in the summer.

On Sunday, Dr. Upjohn reunited with the NCO Main Orchestra for their Winter Concert, held at Woolwich Works – a vibrant arts centre located by the River Thames, formerly the historic Woolwich fireworks factory. The concert featured stunning performances of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Reflecting on the event, Dr. Upjohn shared her admiration for the orchestra: ‘Huge congratulations to these young musicians on such a fantastic concert!’.
 

Jacob Collier Receives GRAMMY Nominations for 2025

We are delighted to celebrate the continued success of Purcell alumnus Jacob Collier, who has once again been recognized by the Recording Academy. Jacob’s Djesse Vol. 4 has earned a nomination for the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’, and he is also nominated for ‘Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella’ for Bridge Over Troubled Water, a collaboration with John Legend and Tori Kelly.

These latest nominations add to Jacob’s already extraordinary collection of GRAMMY wins and accolades, highlighting his innovative contributions to the music world. The 2025 GRAMMY Awards will take place on 2nd February in Los Angeles.

Congratulations to Jacob on this remarkable achievement!
 

Concerts Review

11th November – Smith Square Hall
On 11th November, Purcell students, joined by violinist, conductor and Patron of the school Dmitry Sitkovetsky, returned to Smith Square Hall for their flagship autumn concert. Ensembles from all classical departments presented a varied programme of music linked by themes of Remembrance. The programme included music by Britten, Strauss, Mendelssohn, Tippett, Karl Fiorini and Arvo Pärt. Three pianists – Yifei, Zhuldyz and Grace – also performed solo piano pieces – Barber’s Nocturne Op.33, Namucuo Op.53 by Ye Xiao Gang and Rain Tree Sketch II by Tōru Takemitsu. The Hall was full and all students performed fantastically with professionalism and care.

12th November – Bushey United Synagogue
On Tuesday 12th November students from the Pop and Commercial Department visited Bushey United Synagogue to perform a mixture of well known tunes and original songs. These included Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love of All’ and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees. The audience of almost 300 were so appreciative, and are already looking forward to the school’s next visit in November 2025.

Lunchtime Concerts
This week we were very pleased to hear performances ranging all the way from Year 7 to 13. Handel, Mozart, Schubert and Ravel contrasted with Mario Gangi, Moszkowski and Wieniawski.

Well done to our performers: Ireh, Rina, Ekaterina, Kateryna, Polina, Yisen, Alina, Bettina, Alexander and Madeleine.

Nicholas Bayley Double Bass Masterclass
A wonderful class was given by Nicholas Bayley, principal bass with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The students gained many new ideas and techniques to try out and develop their performance skills.

Our thanks to Nicholas Bayley and congratulations to the following students for their stellar performances:

Norah: Tempo di Polacca by Frank Simandl
Flo: Three Pieces by Robert Fuchs 1. Allegro Moderato
Lucas: Queen Bee by Stefan Schaefer
Summer: Sonata No. 11 in G minor by Henry Eccles i) Largo ii) Corrente
Prince: Reverie by Bottesini

Forthcoming Events

In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide here.

Wednesday 20 November – Tchaikovsky: Music from and for an Imperial Subject
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Pushkin House, 5a Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA
Tickets: £15 (£12 conc.) available to purchase from the Pushkin House website

‘The Russia of the composer existed only in his art’, – highlighted Simon Morrison, Professor of Music and Slavic Languages and Literatures at Princeton University, describing the complicated relations between Tchaikovsky’s music and the context in which it was composed.

In anticipation of Morrison’s Discourse event stemming from his latest book, Tchaikovsky’s Empire: A New Life of Russia’s Greatest Composer (Yale University Press, 2024), The Purcell School for Young Musicians will perform at Pushkin House for the first time featuring a programme of music by the composer.

This event will feature performances by students Anna (Winner of the 6th International Franz Liszt Competition for Young Pianists, 2024), Shlomi (Finalist, BBC Young Musician of the Year, 2024) and Luca (First Prize at the Alicante International Piano Competition).

Thursday 21 November – Chamber Choir Concert
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Church St, Watford WD18 0EG
Tickets: Free admission

The Purcell School Chamber Choir, together with organist Tom Winpenny, will perform a Lunchtime Concert at St Mary’s Church in Watford.

Programme:
Vivaldi Magnificat
Durante Magnificat
Mozart Dixit and Magnificat

This concert is sponsored by The DMF Trust in Memory of David and Myrtle Franklin and free to attend. For further information, please visit the St Mary’s website.

Refreshments will be available at the church at 12pm.

Thursday 21 November – Gila Goldstein Piano Recital
Time: 1.10pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

We are thrilled to welcome renowned pianist Gila Goldstein to Purcell. Gila Goldstein is a versatile musician who has captivated audiences around the world with her unique artistry and soulful interpretations.

Programme:
Carlos Guastavino Las Ninãs
J.S.Bach Prelude and Fugue in E Major, Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, BWV 854
Heitor Villa-Lobos Alma Brasileira (Chôros No. 5)
Four preludes from “24 Preludes of Dusk and Dawn” (2020-2021)
UK PREMIERE
Prelude No. 1 Allegretto; scorrevole con mistica (C# minor)
Prelude No. 4 “Rose in the Garden” (Bb Major/C Major)
Prelude No. 5 “Fantasia” (G Major/E Major)
Prelude No. 8 “Storm of Fate” (G minor)
Liszt/Schubert Ständchen
Franz Schubert Sonata in A minor, D. 784 (Op. 143)
I. Allegro giusto
II. Andante
III. Allegro vivace

Friday 22 November – Lower School Concert
Time: 2.45pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

Monday 25 November – Songwriters Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

Come and join us to hear our songwriters’ latest compositions.

Wednesday 27 November – Middle School Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

Tuesday 3 December – Pop and Commercial Department Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

Join students from the Pop and Commercial department in their showcase concert.

Programme details to follow.

Wednesday 4 December – Chamber Choir Concert
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Rosary Shrine, Saint Dominic’s Priory, Southampton Rd, London NW5 4LB
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

The Purcell School Chamber Choir, conducted by Tom Winpenny, present an evening concert at St Dominic’s Priory, accompanied by organist Phoebe Tak Man Chow.

Programme:
Durante Magnificat
Vivaldi Magnificat
Monteverdi Beatus Vir
Schubert Psalm 23

The concert is sponsored by the DMF Trust in memory of David and Myrtle Franklin.

Free admission but donations are kindly welcomed to support both the School and the church organ restoration fund.

Further information is available here.

Wednesday 11 December – Christmas Jazz Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

Join our jazz students for a very ‘Merry’ Christmas concert with special guest Alec Dankworth.

Programme details to follow.