Weekly Highlights 20th June 2025

Posted: 20th June 2025

Purcel Pianist Delights Audience at Charlton House

Congratulations to Kevin (Year 10, piano), whose recent recital at Charlton House on 17th June 2025 left the audience captivated. Performing to a full house of around 100 people, many with musical backgrounds, Kevin’s playing was described as ‘extraordinary’ by audience members. Listeners spoke of feeling deeply moved, with one remarking that ‘it felt like the heavenly door was opening up’ during the performance.

This recital marked the start of Kevin’s summer concert series, which includes some exciting engagements ahead:

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Arad Philharmonic Orchestra at Vienna’s world-famous Musikverein (10 August)
A two-hour solo recital at Vienna’s Ehrbarsaal Hall (11 August)
Further recitals in Oslo and London over the summer

We wish Kevin, who studies at Purcell under Florian Mitrea, our congratulations and very best wishes for his forthcoming events.

Purcell Trio Perform at The Marian Anderson Friday Classics

We are delighted to share that Year 13 clarinettist Birce recently performed alongside Ella (Year 13, cello) and Aaron (Year 13, piano) as part of The Marian Anderson Friday Classics series at The Bowler’s, Farringdon, on Friday 13th June 2025.

The trio, formed last year, has quickly built a reputation for their engaging performances, regularly receiving standing ovations from audiences. Their latest concert was no exception, with a warm reception from those in attendance.

Congratulations to Birce, Ella and Aaron on this wonderful achievement!

Purcell Pianist Celebrated for Piano Competition Successes

Congratulations to Tymofiy (Year 8, piano) on a series of recent competition successes.

Tymofiy was awarded a Gold Award (Advanced Level) at the UK Schools Music Festival 2024–2025, alongside 1st place in the Study category and 2nd place in the Own Choice Solo at the Ealing Festival. Additionally, Tymofiy earned a Diploma of Participation at the prestigious 32nd International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth in Szafarnia, Poland.

We are incredibly proud of Tymofiy’s achievements and look forward to seeing his continued progress and success in the future.

Anna Wolstenholme Masterclass

On Tuesday 17th June, our Flute Department were treated to a hugely inspirational flute masterclass by the brilliant Anna Wolstenholme, currently Principal Flute at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Suanoi, Ekaterina, Rose, Lia and Kiah performed a wonderful mix of repertoire alongside Ms Shah, and also had the opportunity to hear about Anna‘s varied career so far, from performing professionally in Sao Paulo and Bergen, to her work more closer to home now at the Royal Academy of Music.

Thank you to Anna for a thoroughly enjoyable class, and congratulations to all our flautists and Ms Shah for excellent performances!

Concerts Review

Lunchtime Concerts
On Monday and Tuesday an exciting collaboration took place with Purcell musicians and artists in the art department.

Classical music was performed on Monday while the artists transformed a blank canvas into a work of art stimulated by their responses to hearing the pieces being played. On Tuesday a calm and atmospheric folk song with cello accompaniment was followed by chilled saxophone and piano jazz tunes moving on to more upbeat numbers on piano in the bass and drums. The artists continued to develop the artwork from the day before but this time with the different influences from folk and jazz. Well done to our artists, and to musicians Maria, Yagmur, Teresa, Ostap, Lilly, Ramona, Albi, Boris, Julianna, Marcus, Lucas and Sam for providing and performing the musical journey for this inspiring event.

Seth, Mahla and Pete performed a very satisfying jazz set in the JCS on Wednesday which suitably fitted the warm weather vibe.

On Thursday we had a full Recital Room of visitors from two local junior schools who very much enjoyed the Saint-Saens, Handel, Rodrigo, Granados and Liszt performed by Bettina, Mac, Asher and Stephanie.

Well done to everyone this week.

Forthcoming Events

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

Tuesday 24 June – Clare Teal with The Purcell School
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ
Tickets: £8-15 from Watford Palace Theatre box office

Celebrated vocalist Clare Teal will join Purcell’s outstanding Jazz, Commercial and Classical music students for a spectacular evening of her own music and arrangements at Watford Palace on Tuesday 24th June!

Tickets are £8-15 and available to purchase from the Watford Palace Theatre box office

Wednesday 25 June – Creative Ensemble Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Thursday 26 June – Singers Soirée
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Recital Room, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Join us as our classical singers take to the stage for their final concert of the academic year. The Singers’ Soiree is always a highlight of the calendar, offering a rich and varied programme of vocal music, from timeless classics to hidden gems.

This concert is a celebration of their hard work and passion, providing a perfect finale to their musical year.

Performers: Kiah, Sonya, Craig, Mac, Solomiya, Suanoi, Jessie, Adi and Arabella

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the next generation of classical singers in an intimate and welcoming setting.

Thursday 26 June – Composition Department Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Monday 30 June – Inclusivity Group Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Tuesday 1 July – Wind Brass and Percussion Department Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Wednesday 2 July – Songwriters Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Thursday 3 July – Purcell: Dido and Aeneas
Time: 8.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Monday 7 July – Tchaikovsky and Sibelius and the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Milton Court, 1 Milton St, London EC2Y 9BH
Tickets: £18 (£9 for concession) and available to purchase here

Programme:
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet (Overture – Fantasia), TH 42, ČW 39
Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
Dring Eternal Fall (WP)
Sibelius Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105

Soloist: Dominic-Lucian Drutac

Join The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra at Milton Court for an evening of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7, along with the Violin Concerto, performed by Purcell alumnus Dominic-Lucian Drutac. Conducted by Paul Hoskins, this performance promises to be a captivating celebration of music and talent.

Tuesday 8 July – Hit Replay!
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission, no booking required

Join us for Hit Replay!, a lively tribute to timeless songs from various decades, showcasing the beloved hits you recognise and can not resist singing along to.

Performed by the skilled students of Purcell’s Popular and Commercial Music department, this concert brings classic tracks to life with new energy and flair.