Alex Redington Appointed New Head of Strings

On Thursday 22nd May, we were thrilled to announce the appointment of Alex Redington, acclaimed violinist and educator, as our new Head of Strings, beginning September 2025.

A Purcell alumnus, Alex brings exceptional experience both as a performer and teacher. He is a founding member and first violinist of the renowned Doric String Quartet, which he co-founded at the age of 15. Over 27 years, the ensemble built a distinguished international reputation and an acclaimed discography with Chandos Records. Their final Beethoven recordings were praised by Gramophone Magazine for Redington’s “mesmerising playing.”

In addition to his performing career, Alex is a dedicated educator, having taught at the Royal Academy of Music, Yehudi Menuhin School and the University of Cambridge. His collaborations include artists such as Benjamin Grosvenor, Jonathan Biss, Elisabeth Leonskaja and Marc-André Hamelin, with performances at Carnegie Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw and Wigmore Hall. As a soloist, he has performed with orchestras including the Vienna Symphony and BBC Symphony Orchestra, under conductors such as John Adams and Edward Gardner.

Alex succeeds Charles Sewart, who will step down after 18 years of outstanding leadership. The School extends its heartfelt thanks to Charles for his immense contribution to generations of young string players.

Reflecting on his appointment, Alex said: “I am thrilled to take up the position of Head of Strings at The Purcell School. Having been a student there myself, I am fully aware of the importance and positive impact it has on shaping the futures of its gifted students. I feel privileged to be entrusted with this role and look forward to working alongside the School’s talented staff to help realise the enormous potential of its students.”

Principal Paul Bambrough commented: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Alex back to The Purcell School. His exceptional musicianship, inspiring career and deep commitment to education make him uniquely suited to lead our Strings Department into its next chapter. We look forward with great excitement to all he will bring to our musical community.”

 

Purcell Singer Songwriter Reaches Finals of Young Songwriters Competition

Congratulations to Clara (Year 11), a Commercial and Popular Music Department songwriting student, who has been named one of the top 30 finalists in the Song Academy’s Young Songwriters Competition (16-18 age category).

Competing against over 180 entries, Clara – artist name ‘ClaraTee’ – was selected for her original track ‘The Core’. The song showcases her distinctive voice and songwriting talent, and you can listen to it here.

Well done to Clara on this brilliant achievement!
 

Purcell Cellists Wins Double Honours at Ealing Festival

Congratulations to Siyue (Year 9, cello), who recently achieved outstanding success at the Ealing Festival. Siyue was awarded first place in both the String Exhibition (16 years and under) and the String Concerto (14 years and under) classes.

Well done to Siyue on these well-deserved accolades!
 

Purcell and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

During the Easter holidays, Skye (Y11, baritone horn) spent a week at Pangbourne College, Berkshire, on the 2025 Easter course of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB). This was an intensive week of individual, sectional and full band rehearsals working with by world class tutors – including Purcell Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion Mike Cavanagh.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer MVO MBE, Commanding Officer of the Bands of the Household Division, the course culminated with two sold out concerts; the first at Tidworth Garrison Theatre, Wiltshire, and the second at Halifax Minster, Yorkshire. The Tidworth concert also featured the course’s guest soloist, trombonist and Purcell alumna Isobel Daws.

The theme of the concert was Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, featuring music from previous members and conductors of the NYBBGB, and the programme was as follows:

Fest Musik der Stadt Wien – Richard Strauss arr. Howard Lorriman
The Servant of Peace Trombone Concerto – Dorothy Gates*
Lowry Sketchbook – Philip Wilby
Peacemakers – Dan Price
Love Eternal – Gavin R Lamplough*
Blue Bells of Scotland – Arthur Pryor*
Echoes of Youth – Ashley Marston
Big Band Tribute – FW Meachan & JM Manone arr. Dan Price & Barry Forgie
Hot Toddy – Hendler & Flanagan arr. Geldard
Opus One – Sy Oliver arr. Bill Geldard
Lest We Forget – Christopher Bond
Coventry Variations – Bramwell Tovey

*Trombone Soloist Isobel Daws

Congratulations to Skye on a hugely well spent Easter. What a fantastic experience!
 

Purcell Student Named Best Composer at North London Music Festival

We are delighted to announce that Stephanie (Year 7, harpist) has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Composer 2025 at the North London Music Festival, presented at the End-of-Festival Concert on 20th May.

Stephanie received this honour for her original composition, It Is Not Always May, a moving and imaginative work for harp and voice inspired by the poem of the same name by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

We are doubly pleased for Stephanie as this piece has already earned 1st Prize in the Festival’s Junior Composition Competition. Enormously well done!