Weekly Highlights 2nd December 2022

Julian Lloyd Webber Speaks to Orchestra

In other news from last night, we were thrilled that Purcell’s newest Patron, Julian Lloyd Webber, was able to join us for the concert. Julian took time to speak with the orchestra before the performance and, with Principal Paul Bambrough, shared some welcome words of wisdom.

Local MP Visits Purcell

Oliver Dowden CBE, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Purcell’s Local MP, visited the School today (Friday 2nd December) to meet with Principal Paul Bambrough and take in an intimate lunchtime concert.

After the performance, Oliver Dowden spent time speaking with the performers about life at Purcell and all that studying in a school with music at its heart entails. Our thanks to Antonia (Year 12, violin), Noah (Year 13, saxophone), Ted (Year 13, trumpet), Zaki (Year 13, double bass), Djordje (Year 13, piano), Freddie (Year 13, drums) and Ella (Year 11, cello) for giving their time and talent so generously.

Community Concert

On Monday 28th November, the CP Hall played host to our first Community Concert since lockdown. The audience of 125 guests was made up of members from various local U3A groups who were blown away by the standard of the performances by Anastasia (Year 13, piano), Benji (Year 13, piano), Djordje (Year 13, piano), Zaki (Year 13, double bass) and the Purcell Improv Group.

The concert raised over £1,000 in ticket sales and increased our exposure in the local community. With thanks to all who were involved.

IMPULSE Outreach Events

Last week a group of our Year 12 IMPULSE Outreach students visited three Bushey primary schools to run interactive musical assemblies with local children.

Outreach at Purcell is an important part of the work of the Music department. It enriches the School’s collective life and brings students into contact with the wider world, while also allowing others the opportunity to experience music in a relevant and dynamic way.

The IMPULSE Outreach programme further enables our students to develop their performance and communication skills and to learn how to set up, organise and deliver events. Longwood School, Highwood and Bournehall School (who all took part in the recent events) certainly agreed with this. Claire May, Head of Longwood, said of the assembly and our students, ‘Everyone has been buzzing and enthusing about how lovely it [the assembly] was. The students are not only musically talented, but they were also really lovely people. We were impressed with how well they spoke at the right level for the children’.

Congratulations to all who took part.

Josephine Knight Purcell School Masterclass

On Wednesday 23rd November, Purcell cellists were treated to a masterclass by Alfredo Piatti Chair and Professor of cello at the Royal Academy of Music, Josephine Knight. It was an inspiring session for which we thank Josephine, and a special mention to our own Assistant Head of Strings, Richard Jenkinson, for making this event possible.

Student Jazz Quintet to Perform at The Jazz Centre UK

On Saturday 10th December at 2pm Year 13 student Jazz ensemble, the Chiriari Quintet, will perform at The Jazz Centre UK.

The gig is part of The Jazz Centre’s ‘New Beginnings’ series, which focuses on the UK’s brightest new talent, and they couldn’t have chosen better!

We wish Noah (saxophone), Ted (trumpet), Zaki (double bass), Djordje (piano) and Freddie (drums) every success! Tickets are on sale here.
 

Forthcoming Events

Sunday 4 December – Chamber Choir Advent Carol Service
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: St James’ Church, High Street, Bushey WD23 1BD
Ticket information: Free admission with a retiring collection

The Purcell School Chamber Choir
Conductor: Edward Longstaff
Organist: Samuel Kemp

Carols include: Deo Gracias, The truth from above, There is no Rose, A Spotless Rose, Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day and Ave Maria

Monday 5 December – Christmas Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Watford WD18 0EG
Ticket information: Free admission

Featuring the Sixth Form Choir, Chamber Choir, Sixth Form Strings, Middle School Strings and Baroque Ensemble.

Programme to include:
Corelli Christmas Concerto
Elgar Serenade for Strings
Schubert String Quartet in G arranged for full string orchestra
John Rutter Gloria
Britten Ceremony of Carols

Wednesday 7 December -Three Rivers Music Society Lunchtime Concert
Time: 13.00 – 14.00
Venue: Rickmansworth Baptist Church, 34 High St, Rickmansworth WD3 1RH, UK
Tickets: £6 on the door. Reduced prices for TRMS Members/Patrons. Free entry to all under the age of 25.

Sunday 15th January 2023 – Flute Day
Time: 2.00 to 5.00pm
Venue: The Purcell School
Tickets: Free of charge. Registration for the event is open on our website here
Requirements: For flautists in Years 5-11, of approximately Grade 4 standard and above

We are delighted to be able to invite young flautists (in years 5-11) to a free afternoon of workshops dedicated to all aspects of playing and performing this stunning instrument.

The afternoon, which begins at 2pm, will be run by our superb instrumental teachers, Clare Jefferis and Mark Taylor, who will share their expertise in a series of workshops covering all aspects of the flute and culminate in a group performance opportunity

To register your interest, please complete the following form here. Please share news of this event.

Registration Deadline: Friday 6th January 2023