Weekly Highlights 28th February 2025

Purcell Harpist Wins International Harp Competition

Over the half term break, Stephanie (Year 7) travelled to Hong Kong to compete in the International European Music Competition 2025 (Hong Kong Region) and emerged as Champion in the Harp Junior Category (ages 13 and under).

Stephanie, who studies under Karen Vaughan at Purcell, is now looking forward to competing in the Final in July 2025 at Kirche St. Johannis Harvestehude in Hamburg, Germany.

A huge congratulations to Stephanie on her success. We wish her the very best for the next stage of the competition.

Wind, Brass & Percussion Dept Showcase

On Wednesday 26th February the Wind, Brass & Percussion department put on a showcase concert in a packed CP Hall. The first half featured superb solo playing from Mason (trumpet), Trevor (horn), Joshua (trumpet), Natalie (oboe), Samsara (clarinet) and Hannah (marimba). The second half featured chamber ensembles from the department including the Flute Trio, Wind Quintet, Bassoon Quartet and Brass Ensemble who all displayed remarkable ensemble playing.

Congratulations to all performers for putting on a truly wonderful concert so early in the half term!

Piano Masterclass with Niklas Pokki

On Thursday 27th February, students had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a piano masterclass with the renowned pianist and educator Niklas Pokki. The session was an inspiring exploration of interpretation, technique and musical expression, providing students with expert guidance and fresh perspectives on their repertoire.

Enjoy these photos capturing moments from the masterclass!

Irina Walters Leads International Aural Training for Conductors

During the half term break, Irina Walters, our Aural and Choral Conducting teacher, led an advanced aural training session for orchestral conductors from around the world. This session, part of the International Conducting Academy, focused on key musicianship skills essential for conductors.

The training covered harmonic analysis of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, a four-part dictation with modulation, and Irina’s own Augmented 6th chord chart, providing valuable tools for musical interpretation and precision.

Further sessions are planned, with an emphasis on Beethoven’s 3rd and 5th symphonies, continuing to support the development of conductors on an international stage.

Congratulations to Irina on this fantastic achievement!

Aiste Dvarionaite Joins Prestigious Jury at International Violin Competition

Last week, 50 outstanding young violinists from around the world competed in the VII Jascha Heifetz International Violin Competition. The two-day finals, presided over by the legendary Maestro Gidon Kremer, concluded with the announcement of the winner, marking the end of a truly remarkable event.

It was a great honour for Aiste Dvarionaite, teacher of violin here at The Purcell School, to serve as a jury member, joining a distinguished panel of international experts, including P. Vernikov, R. Lipinaitytė, M. Martin, M. Hossen, G. Tudorache and G. Kremer.

The competition was widely broadcast by The Violin Channel and Amadeus TV and received support from The World Federation of International Competitions and the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth.

A huge congratulations to Aiste for her role in this event!

Alumnus Kasparas Mikusis to Perform in Watford

We are delighted to share that Kasparas Mikusis, a Purcell School alumnus, will be giving a recital on Sunday 2nd March at 4:00 PM at the Clarendon Muse, Watford.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support Kasparas and enjoy an afternoon of exceptional music. He would be thrilled to see familiar faces from the Purcell community in the audience!

Tickets are free for students aged 8–25 years. Further information is available from the Octagon Music Society.

Purcell Physiotherapist Work on Musicians’ Wellbeing Published

Over the half-term break, Dr Sarah Upjohn, Purcell’s physiotherapist, saw her latest work published in collaboration with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the UK charity Help Musicians. The project focuses on enhancing the health and wellbeing of orchestral musicians.

The publication includes two key resources:

A Symphony of Good Sense: An Introduction for Physiotherapists Working with Orchestral Musicians – a guide to physiotherapy support for musicians.

Supporting Physical Readiness in Orchestral Performance: Guidance for Orchestras – a toolkit designed to help orchestras support musicians’ physical health.

Both resources have been widely praised by performing arts medicine professionals worldwide. In recognition of her contributions, Dr Upjohn has been selected to present A Symphony of Good Sense at the Performing Arts Medicine Association World Symposium in Washington, D.C., this July.

Congratulations to Dr Upjohn on this well-deserved achievement!

Concerts Review

1901 Arts Club Concert
Last Tuesday, eight Purcell students had the incredible opportunity to perform in the 1901 Arts Club for distinguished guests. In this special concert, hosted by Julian Lloyd Webber, Phoebe, Julia, Suanoi, Trevor and Luca completely captivated the audience with their solo performances, taking the concert to an emotional finale of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor played by Shlomi, Ken and Tristan.

Lunchtime Concerts
Pianists Yisen, Michael and Jerry started the week off on Monday with accomplished performances of Chopin and Liszt. Tuesday and Thursday saw Mendelssohn, Kreisler, Grieg, Vivaldi and Jolivet performed by Reeka, Tracy, Lucas and Suanoi. On Wednesday we heard two piano compositions, a beautiful Romance composed and played by Natty, and two exquisite pieces written and played by Boris. Well done everyone.

Forthcoming Events

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

Wednesday 5 March – String Department Showcase Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking necessary

Monday 10 March – Benslow Music Trust Concert
Time: 3.00pm
Venue: Benslow Music, Bensow Lane, Hitchin
Tickets: Tickets are £10 (free admission for under 27s) and available to purchase here.

The Purcell School chamber musicians return to Benslow Music Trust for an enchanting afternoon of guitar, piano and violin music.

Programme to include:
Mario Gangi Suite Italiana for Guitar Duo
Schubert Fantasia in F minor for Piano Four Hands
Mozart Violin Sonata No. 17 in C Major, K. 296

Thursday 13 March – William Fong Piano Recital
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking necessary

Programme:
Beethoven Sonata in E Major, Op.109
Chopin Sonata in b flat minor, Op.35
Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit

Monday 17 March – Middle School Orchestra
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking necessary

Wednesday 19 March – Barnes Music Festival Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: St Mary’s, Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HL
Tickets: Tickets are £15 and can be purchased here

Programme:
Schubert Divertissement à la Hongroise D 818 for Piano 4 hands
Brahms Clarinet Sonata Opus 120 No. 2 in Eb, I:Allegro amabile (first movement)
Rabl Quartet for Piano, Violin, Clarinet and Cello Op.1