Welcome to the latest edition of Purcell’s Weekly Highlights!
 

Purcell Brass Players Triumph in National Brass Band Championships

Over the Easter break, Year 10 trumpeter Rhys and Year 9 trombonist Skye performed with the Elland Silver Youth Band at the National Brass Band Championships, this year held at Stockport Grammar School. The band performed a programme which included Magnus Hyland’s Turning Torso, the set work for the upcoming European Youth Brass Band Championships which will be held in Malmö, Sweden in May. We were delighted to hear that following a confident performance of their programme, the band received a Gold Award, as well as valuable performance practice ahead of their appearance at the European Championships. All at Purcell are incredibly proud of and for Rhys and Skye. Congratulations and good luck for the European Championships!
 

Senior Concerto Competition Grand Final

The Senior Concerto Competition came to an exciting conclusion in Sunday’s (23rd April) Grand Final, with not one but two winners being decided.

The audience were treated to six exceptional performances by finalists Ekaterina (oboe, Year 13), Emma (cello, Year 12), Hana (violin, Year 13), Francisca (violin, Year 13), Chloe (french horn, Year 13) and Benji (piano, Year 13). The panel and guest adjudicator Paul Philbert MBE had an unenviable job on their hands but it was with great pleasure that they named Benji and Francisca joint winners for their performances of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Korngold’s Violin Concerto, respectively.

As part of their prize, Benji and Francisca will perform with The Purcell School’s Symphony Orchestra next year.

Heartfelt congratulations to Benji and Francisca, and to the other finalists. Special thanks to guest adjudicator Paul Philbert for his sage judgement, and to Purcell’s astonishing accompanists Debbie Shah, Daniel Swain and Florian Mitrea for their unwavering support, the sheer hours of rehearsals and for performing so many complex orchestral accompaniments.
 

Paul Philbert Visits Purcell

As previously mentioned, alumnus and principal timpanist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chineke!, Paul Philbert MBE visited Purcell from 23rd to 24th April. He adjudicated the brilliant Senior Concerto Competition on Sunday evening, presented a full school assembly on Monday morning, and gave a timpani masterclass for selected percussion students. Our thanks to Paul for a fantastic visit, and for the inspirational impression he left with staff and students alike.
 

An Afternoon with Julian Lloyd Webber

On Wednesday 26th April, internationally renowned cellist, music educator, broadcaster and Purcell’s newest Patron, Julian Lloyd Webber MBE visited Purcell to take a series of cello masterclasses with our young cellists, and to also reflect upon his life in music in an intimate Q&A session. It was a rare opportunity to not only learn from a master of his craft but to meet one of the UK’s most well known musical personalities. We thank Julian for giving his knowledge and expertise so enthusiastically. His time at Purcell has left an indelible impact!