On Thursday 9th January, a group of our young musicians delivered an outstanding performance at the Godalming Conservatoire Baroque Concert. The event showcased the remarkable skill and professionalism of our students, earning them praise from the Chairperson of Conservatoire Concerts, Suzanne Cacciottolo, who wished to ‘congratulate all the students’ and was ‘amazed by their excellent performances’.
A big thank you to all of our young players for making this event such a success.
Purcell Pianist Shines in Vilnius Recital
Over the holiday, Year 11 pianist Pijus showcased his exceptional talent in a recital at the prestigious Organum Hall in Vilnius, Lithuania. Invited to perform after winning 2nd prize and three special prizes at the Balys Dvarionas International Competition in April 2024, Pijus captivated the audience with works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn.
The recital concluded with a standing ovation, with audience members praising Pijus for his maturity, stylistic awareness and virtuosity.
Congratulations to Pijus, who studies under Morta Grigaliunaite at Purcell, on this remarkable achievement!
Purcell Pianist Triumphs at César Franck International Piano Competition
Year 10 pianist Luca achieved an extraordinary milestone at the 12th César Franck International Piano Competition, advancing to the final round held on 21st December in Belgium. Performing Scriabin’s Sonata and Beethoven’s Sonata alongside other talented finalists, Luca secured First Prize and was also awarded the Santa Cecilia International Festival Prize. This special honour includes an invitation to perform a recital in Portugal during the festival’s next season.
As a First Prize winner, Luca performed in the Gala Concert the following evening, where his exceptional musicality earned high praise from both the jury and audience. He also had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring masterclass with Professor Philippe Raskin, a distinguished teacher at music universities in Italy, France and Austria.
Luca’s success continues this spring when he returns to Belgium in April to perform a concerto with an orchestra. Congratulations to Luca, who studies at Purcell under Florian Mitrea, on these remarkable achievements!
Alumna Spotlight: Magdalene Ho Wins Prestigious International Piano Award
The Purcell School is proud to celebrate the success of alumna Magdalene Ho, who recently won the International Piano Award Germany 2024, sponsored by Bechstein. The award, achieved just weeks before Christmas, highlights Magdalene’s extraordinary talent.
Patsy Toh, Magdalene’s instrumental teacher during her time at Purcell, shared her delight at this achievement, noting that Magdalene is receiving much-deserved recognition and is embarking on a promising professional career.
Congratulations to Magdalene on this outstanding accomplishment!
Concerts Review
Lunchtime Concerts
From the more traditional Bach Suites to Gershwin’s Summertime and the atmospheric Honami composed by Wil Offermans, we heard many different composers this week. Well done to Alina, Zhuldyz, Aaron, Dianna, Stephanie, Suanoi, Ostap, Summer, Ekaterina and Saule for your performances.
Bassoon Masterclass – Amy Harman
On Wednesday 15th January, the bassoonists were thrilled to have a masterclass with renowned bassoonist Amy Harman. Many aspects of bassoon playing were covered including posture, technique, reeds and embouchure, to name a few. The bassoonists delivered a wonderful range of music from Bach to Gershwin, solos, duets and quartets, all coached by Amy.
Well done to Ostap, Lilly, Rowena, Elsa and Prince for your contributions.
Viola Masterclass – Roger Benedict
On Wednesday 15th January, the String Department had the privilege of hosting acclaimed conductor and viola player Roger Benedict for an inspiring viola masterclass.
Roger shared his wealth of expertise with our students, providing valuable insights and guidance. A special congratulations to Dianna, Yagmur, Aleks and Harry for their outstanding performances and commitment throughout the session.
Well done to all involved for making the masterclass a memorable and enriching experience!
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide.
Tuesday 28 January – Oscar and Lilly Original Songs Concert
Time: 7pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required, with a retiring collection for Bushey Festival
Get ready for an evening of incredible live music! Our amazing Year 13 singer-songwriters, Oscar and Lilly, will hit the stage with their bands to perform original tracks and fresh takes on classic covers.
Wednesday 5 February – Leed International Concert Season: Lunchtime Concert
Time: 1.05pm
Venue: Leeds Conservatoire
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required
Programme to include: DebussySyrinx (for solo flute) DebussyDanses Sacree et Profane (for harp and string quartet) Lili BoulangerNocturne (for flute and piano) PoulencDuo (for two clarinets) RavelJeux d’eau (arr. for solo harp) Ravel Introduction and allegro (or flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet)
Saturday 8 February – Berkhamsted Jazz Club: The Purcell School Jazz Ensemble with Derek Nash and Martin Shaw
Time: 8pm
Venue: Berkhamsted Jazz Club, The Civic Centre, High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3HD
Tickets: £20 (concs. £6-14) and available to purchase here.
As part of the BJazz initiative to Showcase Emerging British Talent, The Purcell School’s Jazz Ensemble will present a high energy mixture of well-known jazz standards, as well as Derek Nash’s own compositions, in a huge variety of styles. The band will be led by Martin Shaw to a programme produced by Simon Allen, both luminaries of Jazz in Britain.
Warming up the stage will be alumnus Louis Richardson’s Fusion Trio, featuring current Purcell students Natty and Sam (Year 13).
Programme 6:45pm: Early doors 7:10pm:Louis Richardson Fusion Trio 8:00pm: The Purcell School Jazz Ensemble led by Martin Shaw (trumpet), with special guest star Derek Nash (saxophone)
For more information, please visit the Berkhamsted Jazz Club’s website.
Monday 10 February – Cadogan Hall: Ravel, Beethoven and Dvořák
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London
Tickets: Prices from £20 to £30, available here
Marking the year of Ravel’s 150th anniversary, the programme opens with his Mother Goose Suite. The piece, originally written as a five-movement piano duet in 1910, was orchestrated by Ravel in 1911.
Alumnus Herman Cerisha returns to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, and Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony completes the programme.
Wednesday 12 February – New Sounds 25 Concert
Time: 7pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required
Join us for an exciting and varied celebration of new music written by young composers from all age groups throughout the Purcell.
Wednesday 26 February – Wind, Brass and Percussion Showcase Concert
Time: 7pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, with donations to the School kindly received
Tuesday 28 January – Oscar and Lilly Original Songs Concert