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Weekly Highlights 3rd February 2023

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

Purcell Violinist Performs at Holocaust Memorial Day

On 26th January 2023, the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor John Graham led a poignant candlelit parade and ceremony to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The candlelit parade began at Radlett Train Station and ended at The Radlett Centre, where the ceremony took place. The event was held to remember the millions of people who lost their lives, or whose lives were changed beyond recognition, during the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Joining the Mayor were Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Reverend Patrick Moriarty, a number of Hertsmere borough councillors and officers, other local dignitaries and residents. The event saw a two-minute silence, notable speeches, videos and musical performances, including a most moving solo recital by Year 13 violinist Shlomo.

Our thanks to Shlomo for so willingly giving his time to this most important of occasions.

Purcell Pianist Performs with the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra

On Saturday 28th January 2023, Year 12 pianist Chloe performed with the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra at St Peter’s Church, St Albans. Chloe played Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23 in A to great acclaim, then delighted the audience with an encore of Liszt’s Un Sospiro.

Congratulations to Chloe on two stunning performances.

Purcell Cellist in Masterclass with Sheku Kanneh-Mason

On 29th January, Year 8 cellist Yoko took part in a masterclass with award-winning British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason at the Royal Academy of Music. The masterclass was offered as part of Yoko’s involvement in the Future Talent project. She performed the second movement of Chopin’s cello sonata with RAM Honorary Associate Dominic John on piano.

Purcell Students take part in the ‘Voice for Ukraine UK’ Concert

On Saturday 28th January 2023, the Founder of ‘Voice for Ukraine UK’, composer and Purcell parent Iryna Gould hosted a charity concert at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Holborn in aid of the children of Ukraine.

The concert, which saw the London Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra and Children’s Choir perform works by Ukrainian composers, also featured Purcell students Anastasia (Year 13), Josh (Year 13), Djordje (Year 13), Shlomi (Year 10), Birce (Year 11) and Sofiia (Year 10).

The concert was livestreamed and available to view below. If you would like to make a donation, please do so here.

City of London School Saxophone Study Day

On Monday 30th January 2023, Head of Woodwind, Joy Farrall took The Purcell School Saxophone Quartet to the City of London School Saxophone Study Day. The event comprised a day of workshops, followed by an evening’s concert. Four schools took part, including The Purcell School, Dulwich College and The London Oratory School, which totaled approximately 35 saxophone players. Joy commented that our students in attendance – April (Year 9), Yulin (Year 10), Tessa (Year 13) and Maddie (Year 13) – ‘performed a solo spot to perfection’.

Well done to all who took part! Pictured below in rehearsal.

Art Trip to Tate Modern

The Art Department enjoyed an exciting trip to London’s Southbank last week to take in the Tate Modern. A great time was had by all!

Students meet Award-Winning Photographer

Local award-winning photographer Stephanie Belton visited Purcell last week to work with our Year 12 and 13 photographers. The workshop provided a fascinating insight into camera settings, understanding light and composition skills.

The photographs below are courtesy of one of our own young photographers, Dominic-Lucian (Year 12).

Concerts Week in Review

This week has seen a lunchtime concert at the Bushey United Synagogue, a Lower School Concert and four Lunchtime Concerts at Purcell.

Well done and thank you for bringing such beautiful pieces to life for us: Shlomo, Alana, Shlomi, Suanoi, Hana, Francisca, Theadora, Fiona, Emma, Ivanna, Hannah, Seth, Ilya, Kutay, Samara, Lucas, Clara, Alex, Belinda, Skye, Ruth, Daria, Jiahao and Yuwei!

We look forward to The Purcell School Symphonic Orchestra Concert at the Cadogan Hall next Monday!

Forthcoming Events

In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide here.

Monday 6th February – Cadogan Hall
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Tickets: £20, £17.50, £15, £12.50 (Students & Under 18; £5 off) available from the venue’s website here

Pucell’s Symphony Orchestra will perform at Cadogan Hall under the baton of guest conductor Natalia Luis-Bass, with soloist Beste Gürkey on marimba. Beste is a recent alumna and joint-winner of the School’s Senior Concerto Competition, 2022. The programme highlights works by Gabriela Ortiz, Séjourné and Debussy, as well as Purcell’s own Simon Speare.

The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra
Marimba: Beste Gurkey
Conductor: Natalia Luis-Bassa

Programme
Gabriela Ortiz: Teenek
Séjourné: Marimba Concerto
Simon Speare: The Secret of Rain
Debussy: La Mer

Monday 6th March – The Purcell School Jazz Ensembles with special guest Derek Nash
Time: 8.00pm (doors open at 6.30pm)
Venue: Pizza Express, 10 Dean St, London W1D 3RW, UK
Tickets: £12 from venue’s box office here

Purcell’s Jazz players join forces with UK saxophone star Derek Nash for a concert of his jazz and funk influenced compositions.

Come and watch the stars of tomorrow, today!

Sunday 26th March 2023 – Double Reed ‘Accelerate’ Day
Time: 2.00 to 5.00pm
Venue: The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Herts WD23 2TS
Requirements: For double reed players of Grade 3 standard and above in Years 5-11
Cost: Free of charge

To take part in the Double Reed ‘Accelerate’ Day, please complete the registration form here. Further information will be sent to the registered email address before the event.