On Monday evening, The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra played to a full Cadogan Hall. They gave a fantastic performance under the baton of Dominic Grier, described by Martyn Brabbins as “a young conductor of exceptional technical refinement and a skilled communicator”.
The orchestra played Shostakovich’s best-known and majestic Fifth Symphony, Dvořák’s famous Cello Concerto, and the Roman Carnival Overture, orchestrated in Berlioz’s brightest colours. The programme also included an exciting short new work, ‘Seized’, written by pupil Zakia Fawcett and conducted by sixth-former, Noah Max.
Our cello soloist for the Dvořák was former Purcellian, Yong Jun Lee, who studied at Purcell with Pal Banda, before commencing his undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in 2016, where he was awarded a full scholarship.
After working with our young musicians, Dominic Grier said “It is most encouraging to encounter such a high level of playing and musicianship and I’ve no doubt that the future of music making is in good hands. You all deserve to be immensely proud of what you achieved!”
Kevin Hathway, Head of Brass, Percussion, Harp and Voice, was proud of what the orchestra achieved – “Congratulations to everyone! The concert contained stacks of musicality, excitement, drama and excellent teamwork – well done!”