English

Weekly Highlights 14th March 2025

 

Purcell Composers Remarkable Achievements in Composition

We are thrilled to announce that Adi (Year 13) has recently achieved significant milestones in her composition career:

Mostly Modern Festival NYC: Adi‘s chamber work for six players has been accepted for performance at the Mostly Modern Festival, taking place from 5th to 20th June 2025 in New York. Her piece will be performed by the American Modern Ensemble, a notable accomplishment considering the festival typically features professional composers.

ORIENT/OCCIDENT Music Composers’ Competition 2025: Adi‘s two orchestral compositions have both advanced to the finals of the 10th Edition of the ORIENT/OCCIDENT Music Composers’ Competition, scheduled for 6th to 9th February 2025. Her works will be rehearsed and performed by the KLK Symphony Orchestra in Ukraine. This competition is open to composers of all ages, making Adi’s dual finalist status particularly impressive.

The Sound Ensemble Composition Competition: Adi was a finalist in the High School Category of this competition, demonstrating her growing recognition in the field.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Adi for these outstanding accomplishments and look forward to her continued success in the world of composition.

Purcell Harpist Shines at Bromley Music Festival

We are delighted to share that Year 11 harpist Selin achieved outstanding success at the Bromley Music Festival on 9th March, winning all three classes in which she competed!

As a result of this impressive achievement, Selin has been invited to perform at the Star Performers Concert later this month – a wonderful recognition of her talent and dedication.

Congratulations to Selin on this fantastic accomplishment.

Purcell Students Impress at Bechstein Hall Recital

We are proud to share that Year 13 harpist Aaron and Year 10 pianist Luca gave a brilliant joint recital at Bechstein Hall on 16th February as part of the Young Artist Series.

Both musicians delivered outstanding performances, earning high praise from the audience. The exceptional quality of the Bechstein piano made the experience even more special, with Luca describing it as the best piano he has ever played – a particularly meaningful moment given his lifelong admiration for Bechstein instruments.

Congratulations to Aaron and Luca on this wonderful achievement!

Concerts Review

Monday 10 March 2025 – Afternoon Concert at Benslow Music Trust
Eight students performed in a chamber music concert at Benslow Music Trust to a very appreciative audience, who expressed many compliments over the post-concert afternoon tea enjoyed by both the musicians and audience. Congratulations to Kate, Kateryna, Chaeyu, Kevin, Fabienne, Hannah, Matias and Cindy.

Thursday 13 March 2025 – William Fong Piano Recital
William Fong, Head of Keyboard, gave a heartfelt performance of pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, and Ravel on Thursday 13th March in our CP Hall. Showcasing his brilliant technical skills with profound emotional depth, William made a strong connection with the audience, leaving them in eager anticipation for future performances.

Lunchtime Concerts
This week we celebrated international Women’s Day and Diversity in Music.

On Monday and Thursday we heard two full concerts of music from female composers. Composers Princess Anna Amalia, Kathleen Tagg, Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, Amy Beach and Janice Joplin were performed superbly by Suanoi, Dianna, Thomasine, Mac, Hannah, Julia, Sonya, Harry, Jessie, Anna, Lilly, Cole, Rebecca and Sam.

The music of Black composers Julia Perry, Jessie Montgomery, William Grant Stil and Duke Ellington was performed on Tuesday by Thomasine, Mr, Shiner, Suanoi, Clem and Sam.

LGBTQ composers Billy Strayhorn, Cole Porter and Fred Hersch were highlighted on Wednesday by Angelica and Boris in their duo performance.

Thank you to all those involved for contributing to a special week of concerts.

Forthcoming Events

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


Monday 17 March – Middle School Orchestra
Time: 7.00pm
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


Wednesday 19 March – Session Bands Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required