Weekly Highlights 14th February 2025

Purcell Musicians Shine at Prestigious Jazz Venues

On the 29th January, Year 13 students Samuel and Natty, together with Purcell alumnus Louis Richardson, performed as the trio NSLfusionExperience at the renowned Pizza Express Soho Jazz Club. Supporting drummer Jack Manders at this sold-out event, they delivered an electrifying performance, joined by guest musicians Year 13 Clementine and Year 10 Seth.

Continuing their musical journey, the trio also took to the stage at Berkhamsted Jazz on the 8th February, supporting Purcell’s Jazz Ensembles. Their set featured a captivating mix of original compositions, contemporary jazz and classic jazz standards.

Congratulations to all involved for representing The Purcell School with such extraordinary talent and passion!

Voice Masterclasses

Last week saw the luxury of two masterclasses for the Purcell classical singers.

On Monday, a visiting Chinese professor, Ying Liu (mezzo soprano), who teaches at the Xinghai Conservatoire in Guangzhou, gave a highly enjoyable and enthusiastic class which the students found very beneficial. Then on Thursday, they were treated to what has become a regular annual visit from Richard Jackson who teaches at several London conservatoires. He brought his usual deft touch to help the students explore the depths of their songs’ texts to further colour their performances. A thoroughly good time was had by all.

Taking part were Kiah, Craig, Sonya, Daniel, Mac, Solomiya, Alina, Suanoi and Adi.

Viola Masterclass with Professor Hou

Last Monday, Purcell students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a viola masterclass led by Professor Hou from the Xinghai Conservatoire in Guangzhou.

Viola players Yagmur and Dianna both took part, benefiting from Professor Hou’s expert guidance and insight. It was an inspiring session that left a lasting impact on all who attended.

A big thank you to Professor Hou for sharing his expertise with our young musicians!

Art Trip to Tate Britain

Year 13 Art students recently visited Tate Britain as part of an inspiring trip to enrich their exam component. Building on their previous visit to Tate Modern two years ago, this excursion offered a fresh perspective, encouraging students to explore their projects through the lens of their unique starting points.

The students were captivated by the diverse collection at Tate Britain, which beautifully blends traditional masterpieces with strikingly modern works. This dynamic mix provided valuable insights and sparked new creative ideas.

Enjoy a glimpse of their artistic journey through the accompanying photos!

Concerts Review

Purcell Jazz Students Dazzle at Berkhamsted Jazz Club
On Saturday 8th February, Purcell’s Jazz Department delivered an unforgettable performance at the Berkhamsted Jazz Club, playing to a sold-out audience of 110 in the packed Civic Hall. The evening featured an electrifying mix of Derek Nash‘s original compositions and popular jazz standards, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Purcell’s young musicians.

The night opened with an uplifting set by the support act – Natty, Sam and Clem – whose innovative arrangements set an inspiring tone for the evening. The concert continued with impressive performances from Cole, Angelica, Albert, Lucas, Sam, Elliott, Seth, Arthur, Otto, Julianna, Keir, Ramona and Clem, each playing with remarkable professionalism and flair.

Special guests Derek Nash (saxophones) and Martin Shaw (trumpet) joined the students on stage, adding their expertise and charisma to the vibrant atmosphere. The event was such a success that Purcell students have already been invited back for another performance!

‘It was a quite brilliant event with some exceptional young musicians . . . the hall was full to capacity . . . a totally brilliant evening.’ BJazz Committee

Congratulations to all involved for an exceptional evening of jazz, and a special thanks to Head of Jazz, Simon Allen, for making this magnificent event possible.

The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra at Cadogan Hall

On Monday 10th February, Cadogan Hall hosted an engaging evening featuring works by Ravel, Beethoven and Dvořák. Under the masterful direction of guest conductor Dan Rosina, The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra opened with Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite in commemoration of the composer’s 150th anniversary.

Pianist Herman Cerisha, an alumnus of The Purcell School, then took to the stage with an engaging performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor.

The evening closed with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, brought to life with energy and warmth by both Rosina and the orchestra. The concert was a triumph, showcasing our students’ captivating musicality and professionalism.

Lunchtime Concerts
A fantastic Tuesday concert with Hannah performing the third movement of the Séjourné Marimba Concerto, Shlomi, the Tchaikovsky Valse Scherzo and a wonderful rendition of Brenda Lee Emotions by Lilly and Cole.

Wednesday and Friday saw inspiring and innovating piano pieces composed by our students. Well done to composer Arthur, Victor, Hiroatsu, Anthony, Luca, Thomasine, Leo, Boris and Gerard, and performers Luca, Victor, Arthur, Anthony, Thomasine, Leo, Boris and Hannah.

Dr Sarah UpJohn Leads Half-Term Workshops on Musician Health

Over the half-term break, Purcell’s physiotherapist, Dr Sarah UpJohn, will be sharing her expertise in two exciting sessions:
1. Injury Prevention for Musicians – A Mini Session for Nicola Benedetti’s Benedetti Foundation, offering valuable insights on staying healthy while performing. Learn more here.
2. Healthy Teachers Webinar – In collaboration with the Royal Society of Musicians and BAPAM, this session focuses on maintaining wellbeing for music educators. Find out more here.

Forthcoming Events

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

Sunday 16th February – Bechstein Hall Young Artist Series
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Bechstein Hall, 22 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2RH
Tickets: Available from £5 here

Begin your Sunday morning with a delightful 45 minute performance by two Purcell students.

Programme:
Harp
Henriette Renié Legende
E.A. Walter-Kühne Fantasy on Themes from ‘Eugene Onegin’
Paul Patterson Tarantula, from ‘Spiders’

Piano
Scriabin Sonata No.5
Chopin Scherzo No.3

Tickets include bottomless coffee, and freshly baked pastries will be available to purchase.

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