Purcell Double Bassist’s First Achievement as a Purcellian
We are delighted to share that Summer Sky (Year 7) has achieved her first success as a Purcell student at the Watford Festival on 1st March 2025. Competing in the Grade 7–8 bowed strings and harp category, she won her class and was also recognised as the most promising young bowed strings player.
A fantastic achievement. Congratulations to Summer Sky on this well-deserved success!
Purcell Percussionist Secures place on Juilliard Summer School
Year 11 percussionist, Hannah, has successfully auditioned for a highly competitive place on this summer’s Juilliard School percussion programme. Offering a two-week intensive course for percussionists of school age, the programme is led by a faculty of world-renowned instructors, including Juilliard School faculty members and visiting guest artists. Participants will live, study and perform at Juilliard, located at the world-famous Lincoln Center, in the heart of New York City.
Juilliard’s summer percussion programme will expose musicians to the many skills, careers and passions represented at Juilliard, and prepare them for success in college auditions and beyond. This year’s artists include Daniel Druckman (Head of Percussion Studies at the Juilliard School) and the legendary frame drum artist, Glen Velez (also a long-standing member of Steve Reich and Musicians). Hannah competed against young percussionists from all over the world in a rigorous audition process, playing across various instruments (including snare drum, timpani and marimba) in music by composers as diverse as JS Bach, Jacques Delécluse and Nick Woud (among others).
Hannah‘s success comes as she makes final preparations to sit her all-important GCSE exams this summer. Hannah studies percussion and timpani at The Purcell School with Dr Ryan Hepburn.
Many congratulations to Hannah!
IMPULSE Outreach Brings Music to Primary School
Today, Friday 7th March, Purcell’s IMPULSE Outreach programme visited Cherry Tree Primary School, delivering an inspiring and engaging musical session. The students were captivated by the diverse musical talents showcased, making it a truly memorable experience.
A representative from the school shared their appreciation, saying: ‘Our students were thrilled by the diverse musical talents showcased, and we truly appreciate you providing them with such a memorable experience.’
A huge well done to everyone involved in IMPULSE Outreach!
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 future of the industry.
Kasparas’ inclusion is a testament to his exceptional talent and growing influence in the classical music world. You can read more about his achievement and the full list of rising stars here.
A huge congratulations to Kasparas on this well-deserved recognition!
Alumnus to Perform at Wigmore Hall
We are delighted to share that Purcell alumnus Tunde Jegede and the African Classical Music Ensemble will be performing as part of The African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall on Saturday 15th March at 7.30pm.
This unique concert will celebrate the richness of African classical music, blending tradition with innovation. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical artistry.
For more details and tickets, visit Wigmore Hall.
Concerts Review
String Department Concert Wednesday 5th March, 7pm
The audience marvelled at the beautiful, virtuosic and skillful renditions of the string repertoire. Magnificent soloists contrasted with fantastically blended ensembles.
Well done to all the performers: Martin, Isaac, Sofiia, Kuan-Lin, Yoko, Asta, Kate, Norah, Julia, Sonya, Harry, Jessie, Anna, Zarema, Yagmur, Shlomi, Gracie, Alexandra, Jarvis and Summer Sky.
Lunchtime Concerts
Well done to Glyn in Year 7 for opening the week’s concerts with his beautiful trumpet performance. Ireh, Maya-Ashanti, Celeste and Lily followed with professional performances of Mozart and Kabalevsky.
Thank you to Thomas, Prince and Harry for a very high class Tuesday concert, much appreciated by the audience. On Wednesday Marija sang superbly, these four jazz numbers were supported brilliantly by Julianna, Seth, Otto, Boris, Flo, Lucas, Mahla and Ruby of the Middle School Jazz Group. A perfect piano recital by Gui and Krystal finished our week of Lunchtime Concerts. Well done to everyone.
Join Us for Lunchtime Concerts – A Celebration of Music and Diversity
We would love to see you at our lunchtime concerts, held Monday to Thursday at 1:10pm during term time. These performances showcase the incredible talent of our students and provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music in an intimate setting.
Next week’s programme (Monday 10th – Thursday 13th March) celebrates International Women’s Day and Diversity in Music. Highlights include music by Clara Schumann, Jessie Montgomery, Duke Ellington, Amy Beach and Janis Joplin.
Admission is free! Please arrive at Reception by 1:00pm, and a member of staff will escort you to the concert venue.
