Weekly Highlights 6th December 2024

Posted: 6th December 2024

Purcell Composer Spends Day with Renowned Film Producer

We were delighted to hear that Natty, a Year 13 first-study composer, recently had an incredible opportunity to spend a day with legendary film composer Danny Elfman in Liverpool. On 14th November, Natty was involved in rehearsals for Elfman’s percussion concerto, performed by the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concerto, featuring world-renowned percussionist Colin Currie and conducted by JoAnn Falletta, offered Natty a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry of live orchestral performance. From assisting during rehearsals to accompanying Danny Elfman backstage – and even sharing dinner with him – it was a truly inspiring experience.

Purcell Clarinettist Triumphs at Sutton Festival

Congratulations to Matilda (Year 11), who achieved remarkable success at the Sutton Festival, winning the prestigious Jubilee Recital Cup with an outstanding score of 93. Adjudicator Rosie Whitfield praised Matilda‘s performances of Horovitz’s Sonatina (2nd movement) and Weber’s Grand Duo Concertante (3rd movement).

Matilda also received a gold medal in a duet class and a silver medal in a solo woodwind class. Her impressive achievements culminated in a performance at the gala winners’ concert, where she was presented with the cup by the Mayor of Sutton.

Congratulations, Matilda, on these fantastic accomplishments!

Sushi-Making Fun in the Dining Hall!

Students and staff at Purcell were treated to a unique and delicious experience this week, thanks to the team from Impact Food Group Ltd. The dining hall was transformed into a sushi workshop, where participants got hands-on with the art of sushi-making.

From rolling techniques to selecting fresh ingredients, the demo was both educational and entertaining – and the results were as tasty as they were creative! A big thank you to our caterers for bringing this fun and novel culinary experience to Purcell.

Concerts Review

Monday 25 November Songwriters Concert
Last Monday we were treated to student compositions from songwriters Clara, Lia, Willow Larissa, Albert, Adi and Cole, accompanied by Yoel, Sam, Lucas Gabriel, Flo, Elliot, Clem, Boris, Julia and Mahla. Well done everyone for a varied and inspiring evening.

Wednesday 27th November Xing Wang piano Masterclass
We were very pleased to welcome acclaimed pianist Xin Wang to the school to give a masterclass to our students. Well done to Saule who played Debussy Preludes Book 2 L. 123, no. 8 “Ondine”, Thomasine who played Scriabin Sonata no.2 in G sharp minor and Melody who played Liszt’s Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: No 6. Vallée d’Obermann.

Saturday 30th November Mikhail Voskresensky piano Masterclass
We were privileged to have pianist Mikhail Voskresensky visit the school and give a piano masterclass to some of our students.

Well done to those who performed: Daria – Haydn Sonata in C minor, Hob XVI:20, Zhuldyz – Chopin Ballade in G minor Op.23 and Anna – Chopin Sonata in B flat minor, Op.35 (1st movt).

Wednesday 27th November Middle School Concert
Students from the Middle School delivered their talent very professionally in a pleasurable concert in the CP Hall.

Well done to Yoko, Kiah, Chaeyu, Natalie, Trevor , Kutay, Selin, Julianna, Mahla, Seth, Lucas, Boris, Marija, Hannah, Zev, Gabriella and Pijus for your performances.

Wednesday 4th December St Albans Rehearsal Orchestra
Students Daria, Teodora and Tristan made a final journey to the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts in Hatfield to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3 to an audience of the orchestra’s family and friends. The students were a credit to the school and each movement was expertly played.

Wednesday 4th December St Dominic’s Priory
On Wednesday our chamber choir gave a wonderful performance at St Dominic’s – The Rosary Shrine in London. They performed two Magnificat‘s by Vivaldi and Durante and Beatus Vir by Monteverdi which was accompanied by students Isabella, Maria, Teresa and Arthur on strings and organ. We also heard two brilliant vocal solos by Sonya and Alina, and a selection of organ solos by Arthur.

Tom Winpenny, Purcell’s organ teacher conducted the choir, and Phoebe Tak Man Chow, resident organist at St Martin-in-the-Fields, accompanied the Vivaldi and Durante on organ. The choir also performed Schubert’s Psalm 23, accompanied by student Leo on piano. The recital’s organiser, Martin Stacey, commented that ‘It was truly one of the most memorable concerts we’ve had and it is our greatest hope that this might be the first of many opportunities for your immensely talented young musicians to utilise this space in the years ahead.’

We were very lucky to perform in such a magnificent venue.

A recording of the event, which was live-streamed, is available here.

Tuesday 3rd December ‘Hit Reply!’ Concert
Musicians all over the school came together on Tuesday to present ‘Hit Replay!’, a concert where the brief was to perform cover songs. The programme included music from artists such as Kate Bush, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Édith Piaf and The Isley Brothers, featuring arrangements written by the students. The performances were received really well, with the multi-generational audience all up dancing for the finale medley!

Thursday 5th December U3A Concert
A variety of ensembles were very warmly received by the Radlett U3A.

Well done to Rhys, Brad, Alex, Tristan, Mac, Matias, Thomas, Katrina, Asher, Maria, Martin, Yagmur, Teresa, Elsa, Lilly, Rowena, Ostap, Marija, Seth, Otto, Julianna, Boris, Lucas, Flo, Mahla, Ruby, Clara, Selin, Bettina, Ireh, Grace, Daria, Pijus, Yulin, April, Keir, the Lower School Choir and the Sixth Form Choir for your performances.

Purcell Taster Days

In addition to the two Taster Days featured in last week’s Weekly Highlights, we are excited to announce a third workshop afternoon hosted by the Composition Department – ‘Go Compose @ Purcell’.

‘Go Compose @ Purcell’: Composition Workshop
Sunday 2 February 2025, 2-6pm

Calling all future composers! Join The Purcell School’s Composition Tutors and some of Purcell’s composition students for an exciting afternoon writing new pieces and hear these performed by Purcell’s brilliant young musicians.

What can you expect?
Work alongside Purcell staff and students to compose a new piece for a selection of instruments, including clarinet, piano, harp, percussion, voice and cello.

Discuss your composition work with staff and students
Participate in lively creative exercises
Hear your pieces performed in a special, informal concert at the close of the day for students, parents and friends

Who can take part?

Open to young musicians in Years 6 – 11 with a keen interest in composing.
No previous experience of composing is required, but we would like you to tell us why you are interested in composition, and why you would like to take part in this workshop.

This is a FREE event and places are limited.

To attend, please register via this link to our online booking platform by Sunday 19 January 2025.

Forthcoming Events

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

Wednesday 11 December – John Dankworth 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) and Mark Nightingale (trombone star).

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

Free admission. No booking required.