The Cyprus House in London played host to a musical evening last Wednesday (28th February), as Year 11 pianist Anna captivated the audience with stunning performances of Chopin’s Ballade No.1 and Tarantella by Liszt.
The event was organised by the Cyprus High Commission to celebrate Anna’s musical accomplishments, most recently these being her winning of the Grand Prize and the title of Young Talent of the Year at the 6th International Franz Liszt Piano Competition for Young Musicians.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the UK, Andreas Kakouris, presented Anna with a commemorative plaque during the concert, acknowledging her outstanding achievements and her commendable representation of the Republic of Cyprus on an international level.
Heartfelt congratulations to Anna, who studies at Purcell under Tessa Nicholson.
Purcell Violinist Wins ESO Young Soloist Junior Competition
We were delighted to hear that Year 11 violinist Shlomi triumphed in the recent Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra (ESO) Young Soloist Competition taking First Prize and the St Cecilia Bequest in the Under 17 and Under category.
Congratulations to Shlomi! What a tremendous achievement.
Peter Sheppard-Skævard Plays Purcell Composition
Purcell’s Composer-in-Association Robert Saxton has been running a project with the Year 11 and 13 first study composers, who are writing a piece for the violinist Peter Sheppard-Skævard. Such is the enthusiasm for this project that Year 12 clarinettist Thomas, who although not a first study composer, asked for the opportunity to compose a piece for Peter. In an exciting development, on Wednesday 6th March, Peter performed Thomas’s piece at the Zagreb Academy and praised it as being ‘an enchanting concert piece which really brought grace to the programme this evening!’.
Incredibly well done, Thomas. We are all very proud of you.
Purcell Composers
We were excited to hear that our Year 13 composers Edward, Antonia and Maddy have been collaborating with the London Sinfonietta and students at St Ignatius College. The three young composers have each been asked to write 2-3 minute pieces for the London Sinfonietta, incorporating material from workshops which they attended earlier this year at St Ignatius College. The pieces will be performed on Friday 3rd May at Dugdale Arts Centre, Enfield Town.
What a fantastic opportunity! We can not wait to hear their creations.
Purcell Student Awarded Cherubim Clarinet
We are incredibly pleased for Year 11 clarinettist Marina who has been bestowed a Eb clarinet by the Cherubim Music Trust. The Trust, who awarded Marina the instrument last week, loans instruments to talented young musicians aged 15-25 who have reached a stage where they require one of professional quality.
Concert Department Review
On Tuesday 5th March, we were treated to a superb and original student-led ‘Songwriters Gig’. The concert was a culmination of the hard work of Year 12 student Cole, who curated the event, and the many student songwriters who signed up to perform a selection of original music. The concert was a great success and there was a generous audience. Well done to the over 30 songwriters and band members who took part.
On Wednesday 6th, The Middle School Orchestra performed a concert of solo concerto movements conducted by Purcell’s Director of Music Paul Hoskins. A big congratulations to soloists Zev (piano), Daria (piano) and Sonya (violin) for their marvellous performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn. A new composition by student Luca was also performed – Intermezzo in Eb Major.
We also enjoyed four brilliant lunchtime concerts this week, featuring solos, chamber groups and original pieces by our student composers. Congratulations to all performers and composers: Sofiia, Lavender, Edward, Herman, Dominic, Isaac, Kelchi, Ostap, Leo, Michael, Selin, Seth, Chaeyu, Kutay, Yoko and Shlomi.
World Book Day 2024
On Thursday 7th March, staff and students of Purcell enjoyed celebrating World Book Day.
In a school more accustomed to seeing renowned musicians in the corridors than literary characters, it was great fun to bump into Fantastic Mr Fox and Miss Trunchbull, see Huckleberry Finn and Lady Macbeth having lunch together, be taught Biology by Maleficent or sit next to Wednesday Addams in rehearsals. Not to mention spotting a couple of Wally’s wandering the halls!
It was also a fantastic opportunity to highlight one of Purcell’s newest additions – the library TARDIS. To be found at the bottom of the West Wing staircase in a corner that Dr Who would almost certainly approve of, the TARDIS is brimming with books for students to borrow and enjoy. The collection on offer is wide, varied and entirely inclusive. The TARDIS is an honesty library and is open to all Purcell students! Do drop by next time you’re in that part of the galaxy.
NBH Name Change
Following a student and staff vote, and after (perhaps too) many years of being referred to as a ‘new’ boarding house, it was with great pleasure that Purcell’s Principal Paul Bambrough announced that the former New Boarding House will be known as Ellington House.
Huge thanks to all students and staff who participated in the voting, and welcome all to Ellington House.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide here.
Monday 11 March – Commercial and Popular Music Department Gig at The Horns
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: The Horns’ 1 Hempstead Rd, Watford WD17 3RL
Tickets: Free entry!
Students from the Commercial and Popular Music Department return to The Horns music venue in Watford to perform classic Soul, Funk, Pop and Rock.
Wednesday 13 March – Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Choral Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Performers:
Lower School Choir
Sixth Form Choir
Symphonic Wing Orchestra
Programme: Mussorgsky (trans. Lavender) Pictures at an Exhibition Orff Carmina Burana
