Weekly Highlights 29th November 2024

Posted: 29th November 2024

Purcell’s Annual Christmas Card Competition

A big thank you to all the students and staff who entered this year’s Design a Christmas Card Competition run by Purcell’s Art Department.

We received lots of fabulously festive designs, which made the judging process a particularly tricky business. Thank goodness Purcell’s Principal was up to the challenge.

Mr Bambrough was astounded by the creativity of each piece of artwork, and it is with great pleasure that we announce the following prize recipients with Matilda (Year 10) awarded the title of Overall Winner.

People’s Choice: Izzy (Year 13)
KS5 Prize: Clem (Year 13)
KS4 Prize: Matilda (Year 10)
KS3 Prizes: 1st Clara (Year 7), 2nd Jarvis (Year 7) and 3rd Rowena (Year 9)
Staff Prize: Ella Pearson

Congratulations to all of the 2024 prize winners, and to all of the staff and students who entered this year’s competition.

Purcell Pianist Wins Award at Maidenhead Festival

Congratulations to Year 11 pianist Celeste, who triumphed at the Maidenhead Festival of Music and Dance this Sunday.

Celeste was awarded the Graham Jenkins Memorial Cup for Romantic Solo for her stunning performance of Waldesrauschen by Franz Liszt in the Intermediate Romantic Class. She will keep the prestigious cup for the year and has the honor of having her name engraved on it.

Celeste studies piano under Florian Mitrea, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with her. Well done, Celeste!

Purcell Pianist Celebrates Success at Kingston Festival

We are delighted to share the fantastic achievements of Year 7 pianist Elizabeth, a student of Danielle Salamon, at the Kingston upon Thames Festival of the Performing Arts.

Over the past two Saturdays, Elizabeth impressed the judges with her performances, earning 1st Prize in the Romantic Music Class (17 years and under) and 2nd Prize in the Recital Class (17 years and under).

In recognition of her outstanding performance in the Romantic Music category, Elizabeth has been awarded the prestigious Rachel Steer Memorial Cup, which she will officially receive at the festival’s prize-giving ceremony next month.

Congratulations to Elizabeth on this wonderful achievement, and a heartfelt thank you to her teachers for their dedication and support. Well done, Elizabeth!

Purcell Guitarist Performs at Christmas Lights Switch-On

Congratulations to Year 11 guitarist William, who delivered an impressive performance at the Farnham Christmas Lights Switch-On event on 16th November.

The celebration, held in Gostrey Meadow, drew thousands of residents and visitors who gathered to enjoy live music, dance, drama and festive attractions. As part of the festivities, William was invited on stage by the Mayor’s band, Brobed Stils, for a special performance of Johnny B. Goode. His guitar skills earned enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.

Well done, William, for being part of such a magical community event and for representing Purcell so brilliantly!

Hugo Max to Perform Live Score at the Prince Charles Cinema

We are thrilled to share news from Purcell alumnus Hugo Max, who will be performing a live solo viola score to Benjamin Christensen’s iconic silent film HÄXAN (1922) at the Prince Charles Cinema on 5th January 2025.

Described as both glorious and grotesque, HÄXAN is a landmark in silent cinema, and Hugo’s live performance promises to bring a fresh dimension to this masterpiece. Starting the New Year in bold and shocking style, this unique event will undoubtedly be a darkly-rewarding experience for all in attendance.

We congratulate Hugo on this exciting opportunity and look forward to this exciting performance.

Concerts Review

Wednesday 27th November – St Albans Rehearsal Orchestra
Following on from last week, pianists Teodora and Herman rehearsed the second and third movements of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3 with the St Albans Rehearsal Orchestra. It is an amateur orchestra in Hatfield rehearsing classical music on Wednesday mornings. The group invite guest soloists to run through concerto movements. Next week all three students will return to run through the full concerto to an audience of friends and family.

Purcell Taster Days

We are excited to share with you details of two upcoming Purcell Taster Days, offering young musicians the opportunity to experience life at one of the UK’s leading specialist music schools.

These inspiring events are ideal for young instrumentalists and vocalists looking to develop their musical talents while engaging with our expert tutors and fellow students – details of both can be found below.

1. Woodwind, Brass & Percussion Afternoon
Date: Sunday 19th January 2025
Time: 2.00 – 6.00pm (Closing concert at 5.30pm)
For: Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion players (Years 6–11, Grade 6 standard and above)
Details: Rehearse and perform alongside The Purcell School Wind Orchestra and London Youth Concert Band. Take part in sectional rehearsals and a Q&A session, as well as a closing concert.
Deadline for registration: Sunday 17th January

2. Commercial and Popular Music – Band in a Day
Date: Sunday 2nd February 2025
Time: 2.00 – 6.00pm (Closing concert at 5.30pm)
For: Guitarists, Bass Players, Pianists, Drummers, and Vocalists (Years 7–11)
Details: Band workshops, vocal coaching and a final performance led by our Commercial & Popular Music Department.

Both events are free of charge but spaces are limited.

Forthcoming Events

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

Tuesday 3 December – Hit Replay! Pop and Commercial Department Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

From Billie Eilish to Earth, Wind & Fire, our incredible students bring pop’s greatest hits to life in this must-see concert! Experience creative and captivating cover versions of some of the most iconic songs in pop history.

Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of popular music!

Free admission. No booking required.

Wednesday 4 December – Chamber Choir Concert
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Rosary Shrine, Saint Dominic’s Priory, Southampton Rd, London NW5 4LB
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

The Purcell School Chamber Choir, conducted by Tom Winpenny, present an evening concert at St Dominic’s Priory, accompanied by organist Phoebe Tak Man Chow.

Programme:
Durante Magnificat
Vivaldi Magnificat
Monteverdi Beatus Vir
Schubert Psalm 23

The concert is sponsored by the DMF Trust in memory of David and Myrtle Franklin.

Free admission but donations are kindly welcomed to support both the School and the church organ restoration fund.

Further information is available here.

Wednesday 11 December – Christmas Jazz Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required

A Tribute to a Jazz Legend

Join The Purcell School Jazz Department for an extraordinary evening of music from the library of British jazz icon John Dankworth. Featuring special guests:
Alec Dankworth (bassist)
Mark Nightingale (trombone star)

This is an evening no jazz lover will want to miss!

Free admission. No booking required.