Welcome to the latest edition of Purcell’s Weekly Highlights! Just a reminder that there will not be an edition of the Weekly Highlights next week however we will be sending out the March edition of The Purcell School’s Official Magazine ‘Crescendo‘ next Friday!
Upcoming Events
Society of Recorder Players Composers Competition 2019
The Society of Recorder Players have shortlisted their finalists for their 2019 Composers Competition! The School is incredible proud to announce that three of the finalists shortlisted are Purcellians! In the ‘Open Category’ former Purcell student Asha Parkinson and current saxophonist and staff member John Goldie-Scot have been shortlisted and in the ‘Under 18s’ category current first-study composer at Purcell; James Sparkes has been shortlisted! Congratulations to James, John and Asha, we look forward to the final in April!
Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival
Congratulations to Purcell student Rhea Jo on being award First Prize in the Intermediate Wind / Brass Concerto category at the Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival! The festival was founded in 1929, what began as a small event for adult pianists and singers has evolved over the years into the Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival – a comprehensive festival of the performing arts for musicians, dancers and would be actors of all ages.
Purcell Alumna returns for Masterclass
Last Thursday, former Purcell student, Elizabeth (Beth) Lynch came to the School to work with the singers during an extended voice class. Beth left the School a little over ten years ago. She trained at the Guildhall (undergrad, post-grad, Opera course) before embarking on her singing career. She has subsequently worked with Garsington Opera, Glyndebourne, ENO and in the autumn she will join the prestigious National Opera Studio. Beth talked through her training and performing experience with the students and a lively question and answers session followed. She then worked with the singers on their prepared pieces. It was a vibrant and inspiring session which was of great benefit to the singers.
In memory of Alex Ross
Near the end of December last year, musician and former Purcell student Alex Ross sadly passed away. Over the past few months, students and staff, all of whom were extremely fond of Alex, have been coming together to remember the kind, loving and talented young musician that he was. Former Purcell students put together two incredible events in Alex’s memory, for more information on the events click here.
Sound Image Movement: Introducing our dancers!
Joining The Purcell School in the performances at Sound Image Movement (Thursday 28th March) are dancers from Bearfoot Performing Arts. Bearfoot and Purcell currently share 2 students; Abbie James and Angelica Coupland. Both students have showcased their musical talent during their time with Bearfoot with Angelica being cast as Matilda and Abbie as Miss Honey in ‘Matilda’ for their 2016 show. Abbie also performed a violin solo for a Ballet piece at Bearfoot’s 2018 show. The students dance training has crossed over into their education with Purcell too with Abbie composing and also choreographing a piece inspired by the commonwealth for last year’s Sound, Image, Movement concerts. Bearfoot Performing Arts is a part time performing arts school established in 1986. The school offers Dance, Drama, Singing and Acrobatic classes from it’s location at the Harrow Arts Centre where it has been based for over 30 years. Previous students have gone on to train at some of the most prestigious college’s in the country and many now work as professional dancers, actors, choreographers and teachers. “We are delighted to have been asked to perform again with the student’s of Purcell school and are looking forward to working with Purcell again in the future“.
STUDENTS LEARN SELF-DEFENCE
Once again Purcell has put on sessions this week for students to able to partake in self-defence sessions. “The self defence class was very informative and interesting. I learnt many ways to protect myself when someone attacks me, and i feel much more secure now.” – Cei Kim. “I thoroughly enjoyed the self-defence class. You showed us a variety of methods on how to defend ourselves, which I think I could re-perform quite effectively. I will definitely be attending this class again.” – Jamie Smith.
(No teachers were harmed in the making!)
Travel Update for Parents and Guardians
Due to extensive engineering works on the West Coast route, London Euston will be closed with no services to or from the station on 19-22 April 2019 (Easter Weekend) and 4-6 May 2019 (May Day Bank Holiday Weekend).
