Purcell Pianist Takes First Place at the Cooper International Competition
We are thrilled to share that, over the summer, Year 13 pianist Anna secured first place in the 2025 Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition for Piano, an event for young pianists aged 13 to 18.
Anna was awarded $20,000 for her performance. Alongside the financial prize, Anna is one of the top three finalists who have been offered full four-year tuition scholarships to Oberlin Conservatory, subject to successful application.
Anna’s summer didn’t end there. Immediately after her win in Oberlin, she joined the Oxford Piano Festival, where she received masterclasses from renowned pianists including Kathryn Stott, Arie Vardi, Marios Papadopoulos and Ashley Wass. Later in the season, she travelled to Switzerland to compete in the prestigious Clara Haskil Piano Competition in Vevey, where she reached the semifinals and was awarded the Jeune Critique Prize (Young Critics’ Prize).
Congratulations, Anna – we are all very proud of your tremendous achievement on the international stage!
Purcell Pianist European Summer Concert Tour
We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of Year 11 pianist Kevin, who impressed audiences across Europe this summer with a series of remarkable performances.
Kevin’s concert tour began on the 6th August 2025 at the Arad Philharmonic Hall in Romania, where he gave a commanding performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor with the Arad Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the acclaimed German maestro Martin Braun.
From there, Kevin took to one of the world’s most prestigious stages: the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, Vienna, on the 10th August 2025. Performing Beethoven’s Concerto No. 3 once again with the Arad Philharmonic under Martin Braun’s baton, Kevin played to a near-capacity audience of more than 1500 people. He continued his Viennese performances with a two-hour solo recital on the 11th August at the historic Ehrbar Saal. Both concerts were received enthusiastically, with glowing feedback from both critics and concertgoers.
On the 13th August, Kevin traveled north to Norway, where he gave a one-hour piano recital at Marmorsalen Sentralen, one of Oslo’s most popular cultural centers.
Most recently, on the 5th and 6th September, Kevin performed two more one-hour recitals at Regent Hall in London and Aldenham Church in Watford. His programme featured Beethoven’s Sonata No. 21 ‘Waldstein’, Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, and Ravel’s Miroirs. These performances in front of packed auditoriums stirred tremendous emotions, with one former piano teacher, now 70 years old, brought to tears.
Huge congratulations to Kevin on these extraordinary accomplishments. A summer truly well spent!
Purcell Pianist’s Summer of Music Across Europe
Year 13 pianist Teodora also enjoyed a busy and rewarding summer filled with concerts and masterclasses.
In July, she took part in the Talent Summer Courses in Brescia, Italy, performing in concert and studying with Purcell’s own Head of Keyboard William Fong and Karl-Heinz Simon. The following month, she travelled to Poland for the Euro Arts Academy in Szczecin, where she gave two concerts and was invited to perform alongside Maiqi Wu, a participant in the upcoming 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition. While there, she also worked in masterclasses with Professors Roland Krueger and William Fong.
What a fantastic summer and wonderful experience for Teodora. We can not wait to see what you do next.
Purcell Pianist Wins First Prize in Paris Festival
Congratulations to Year 11 pianist Luca, who was awarded First Prize at the International Music Festival in Paris this summer.
In the days leading up to the competition, Luca attended a masterclass in Brescia, Italy, with Professor Dmitri Alexeev – who also teaches Purcell alumna Magdalene Ho at the Royal College of Music. Just three days later, he performed in Paris, presenting works by Rachmaninov and Liszt, which impressed the jury with both artistry and technical command.
The judges’ praise was echoed by fellow competitors, one of whom remarked on the beauty of Luca’s sound and projection throughout the hall. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and a wonderful achievement to celebrate.
Hugely well done, Luca. What a wonderful Parisian getaway!
Purcell Pianist Wins Asia International Piano Grand Prix
Congratulations to Year 13 pianist Tracy, who has been awarded First Prize at the Asia International Piano Grand Prix Competition. Tracy studies at Purcell under Morta Grigaliunaite, and we join her in celebrating this fantastic achievement.
Purcell Pianists Successes in Lithuania
Summer brought great success and performance opportunities for Year 11 pianist Saule and Year 12 pianist Pijus in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
Saule was awarded Second Prize at the International Competition ‘Music Without Limits’, and also took part in masterclasses with Professors Aleksandra Žvirblytė and Nimi Ejiri, as well as performing in several concerts. Meanwhile, Pijus gave a commemorative recital with a programme honouring the anniversaries of Maurice Ravel and Lithuanian composer M. K. Čiurlionis, which was warmly received.
Both students, who study at Purcell under Morta Grigaliunaite, made the most of the international stage, combining competition, performance and artistic growth in an inspiring summer.
Purcell Pianists attend Renowned Estonia Piano Camp
Year 11 pianist Anthony and Year 13 pianist Lavender both attended the Albu International Piano Camp in Estonia, where they worked with the renowned Finnish pedagogue Professor Erik T. Tawaststjerna, Emeritus of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.
Both students performed in a series of concerts, with Lavender also invited to give two further recitals featuring works by Janáček, Chopin and Rachmaninov. Professor Tawaststjerna praised their playing, describing them as ‘very talented, each with a distinct musical personality,’ and noting that they have clearly been taught ‘with utmost care and artistic vision’ at Purcell.
Anthony and Lavender are also taught by Morta Grigaliunaite – our congratulations to you all!
Matilda Joins ABRSM Youth Advisory Board and LPO Young Artist Scheme
Congratulations to Year 12 clarinetist Matilda, who has been selected for not one but two exciting opportunities this year.
She has been appointed to the ABRSM Youth Advisory Board 2025-26, where she will join young musicians from across the UK in sharing ideas and feedback to help shape ABRSM’s work as a global music charity and exam board. Board members meet monthly to explore topics ranging from music education and wellbeing to performance opportunities, while also connecting with peers nationwide.
In addition, Matilda is one of only eight musicians aged 15-19 chosen for the prestigious LPO Young Artist scheme 2025-26. This year-long programme welcomes participants into the London Philharmonic Orchestra family, offering mentoring, performance and development opportunities of the highest level.
This dual recognition is a testament not only to Matilda’s talent and dedication, but also to the guidance of her teacher, former Purcellian Emily Anderson. Congratulations all round!
Purcell Violinists Shine at the UK International Music Competition
We are thrilled to congratulate Year 11 violinist Nina and Year 12 violinist Yakub, who have both achieved outstanding success at the UK International Music Competition.
Nina was awarded the Absolute First Prize in the Young Artist (age 14–17) category, impressing the judges with her performance of the first movement of Bruch’s Violin Concerto, a cornerstone of the violin repertoire celebrated for its sweeping melodies and technical brilliance.
Yakub also excelled at the competition, winning the Absolute First Prize in the Young Artist (age 14-17) and further demonstrating his talent with additional accolades, including 1st prize at the New Talent Festival and 2nd prize at the London International Music Competition.
Winning Absolute First Prize is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of both Nina and Yakub for their achievements on the international stage.
Purcell Violinist to Perform at Charity Gala in Aid of Save the Children
We are delighted to share that Year 13 violinist Julia has successfully auditioned to perform in the We Have One World charity concert at Kings Place, London, which will take place later this month. She will appear alongside alumna Phoebe Papandrea in support of Save the Children UK.
This will be Julia’s second invitation to perform at the gala, making the occasion all the more special. It is a wonderful opportunity for her to contribute to an important cause through music, while proudly representing the school on such a significant stage.
Well done, Julia. We wish you every success for this important event!
Purcell Cellist Performs as Part of Prof Wolfgang Emanuel Schimidt Masterclasses
Last week, Year 11 cellist Yoko performed Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 at Blackmore Musikzimmer Berlin in Germany, accompanied by pianist Kensei Yamaguchi, to an appreciative audience. The concert was part of Professor Wolfgang Emmanuel Schimidt masterclasses in which she was selected to participate among other talented cellists from Austria, China, South Korea, Germany, Romania, Armenia and Ukraine.
During the Masterclasses, Yoko performed the first and second movements of the Shostakovich concerto, as well as the fourth movement of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.
It was a week filled with shared cello wisdom, inspiration and connection among all the participating cellists, and a truly memorable experience for Yoko in Berlin.
Our congratulations to Yoko!
Purcell Double Bassist Wins Prize at International Bass Competition
During the summer holidays, Year 8 double bassist Summer Sky travelled to France to take part in the Biarritz International Bass Academy, where she joined talented young musicians from around the world.
At the end of the course, she was invited to enter the International Édouard Nanny Competition in the 11-14 age category. Although she had only three days to prepare the mandatory piece, Summer Sky rose to the challenge and was awarded Second Prize – an outstanding achievement.
Her teachers at the Academy were deeply impressed by her playing, and it was thanks to their encouragement that she entered the competition in the first place. We also join the family in thanking her teacher, Cathy Elliott, for her guidance and support. Hugely well done, Summer Sky!
Purcell Harpists Successes at Home and Abroad
We are delighted to share the recent achievements of Year 8 harpist Stephanie, who studies with Karen Vaughan at Purcell.
In July, Stephanie took part in The 8th New Talent Festival Competition 2025 in London, where she won 2nd Prize in her age group (Strings Category).
Over the summer, she also composed an original harp solo piece, My Favourite Things – Playing with My Harp, which was awarded the RH Prestige Best Composition Award – Pedal Harp (Solo) at the Rave Harps International Prestige Award in Singapore. Stephanie travelled to Singapore in August to perform her winning composition at the prestigious RH Prestige Winner’s Concert at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic performing arts venues.
While there, she also took part in The Arts of Healing Programme, bringing music to patients and members of the public at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
We warmly congratulate Stephanie on her many successes and on sharing her music so generously with others.
Student Outreach Musical Initiative in Indonesia
Over the summer break, one of our now Year 13 students, Tristan, launched a remarkable musical outreach project in his hometown in Indonesia.
Inspired by IMPULSE – our own outreach programme led by Head of Composition Alison Cox, in which he participated last year – Tristan was eager to bring a similar experience to the young people in his local community. With the support of his parents and his former violin teacher, he organised and delivered an introductory workshop during a school assembly, reaching more than 150 children.
For many of the students, this was their very first encounter with classical music. To help them connect, Tristan prepared a detailed handbook featuring illustrations of the violin’s inner workings and even brought along his own television to share videos of a live orchestra in action. The children responded with energy and curiosity, showing a real appetite for exploring this new musical world.
Looking ahead, Tristan hopes to return during the October half term to run a smaller, more focused workshop with children who show particular interest or aptitude. His long-term vision is to expand these workshops to other schools and communities across Indonesia, sharing the joy of music and inspiring the next generation.
We congratulate Tristan on this inspiring initiative and look forward to seeing his project continue to grow.
Purcell Flautist becomes recipient of The Cherubim Music Trust
Over the summer holidays, Year 9 flautist, Rose, was the latest recipient of a loaned instrument from the renowned Cherubim Music Trust. The Cherubim Music Trust is a national charity that loans professional calibre orchestral instruments to advanced music students, and following a successful application, Rose is delighted to have been awarded a Powell Conservatory Model flute. Rose and her flute teacher, Mark Taylor, attended a Cherubim Music Trust event at the Savile Club, London in July to be awarded the instrument.
We wish Rose a terrific start to the new academic year with her new instrument!
Mick Doran Percussion Masterclass
Just before the end of the Summer Term, Purcell’s percussionists enjoyed a Masterclass from Mick Doran, Principal Percussion at ENO, organised by Ryan Hepburn. Mick gave an enlightening class on orchestral technique, exploring issues of snare drum playing, cymbal playing and bass drum technique. Mick‘s legendary reputation as one of the leading players in the UK was of tremendous value to Purcell’s percussionists, and they benefited from further insights through Mick‘s conducting a sectional rehearsal for the Symphonic Wind Orchestra repertoire and in playing alongside him in the Wind, Brass, Percussion Department Concert the following day. Mick‘s straightforward, no nonsense but humorous approach was appreciated by the students, who learned a great deal from the time they spent with him.
Purcell Percussionist Performs with Hertfordshire County Youth Orchestra
Over the Summer holiday, Year 10 percussionist Oliver joined Hertfordshire County Youth Orchestra in their performance at Sinfonia Smith Square. In a concert featuring an adventurous programme of Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem and Holst’s The Planets. Oliver played Principal Timpani in the Britten and second timpani in the Holst, giving really confident, technically solid and dramatic contributions (especially during the menacing opening of the Britten). Oliver and his family were kind enough to invite Oliver’s teacher to the concert (Ryan Hepburn), and it was a great privilege to see Oliver in action outside of School. Well done, Oliver!
A Joyful Start to the Year: Induction Weekend Highlights
Our new boarding students were welcomed in style with a fun-filled induction weekend designed to bring everyone together and set the tone for the year ahead.
Our student welcome team – Ostap, Rhys, Skye and Willow – lead the way, with house buddies eagerly greeting the new arrivals. After a delicious BBQ, everyone headed to the field for a game of Capture the Flag, which had the whole community laughing and cheering.
Music was, of course, at the heart of the weekend. Our thanks go to Paul Hoskins, Director of Music, for his inspiring group work sessions with the new students – supported wonderfully by returning students who generously came back early to help. The celebrations drew to a close with a vibrant concert for students and parents, a fitting finale to a weekend full of energy and promise.
We are thrilled to have welcomed such a fantastic group of new students, each bringing not only musical talent but also a wide range of other strengths and qualities. What a brilliant start to the year!
Supporting Young Musicians: Dr Upjohn’s Summer Work
Over the summer, our school physiotherapist, Dr Sarah Upjohn, was busy sharing her expertise in musicians’ health and wellbeing with organisations across the UK and abroad.
Highlights included presenting her Symphony of Good Sense Toolkit at the Performing Arts Medicine Association World Symposium in Washington DC, working with the CBSO Youth Orchestra, and contributing to residential courses with National Orchestras for All and Sistema Scotland. She also visited Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the University of Liverpool to discuss a new research project, where she has now been appointed Honorary Visiting Scholar in the Faculty of Music.
In addition, Dr Upjohn has been writing and publishing: she has prepared an article for a physiotherapy magazine and developed a series of CPD modules on supporting musicians.
It is wonderful to see Dr Upjohn making such a wide impact.
Alumna Appointed Principal Trombone with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Congratulations to alumna Isobel Daws who has been appointed Principal Trombone with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
One of the most sought after young professional trombonists, she will make the move to her new role after completing her commitments to the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra where she was appointed in 2023.
Alumnus to Perform at Local Theatre
Purcellian Kasparas Mikuzis, named Rising Star 2025 by Classic FM, will be returning to The Radlett Centre on 6th November 2025 to perform sonatas by Mozart and Rachmaninoff and pieces by Ravel and Hamelin.
Paul Bambrough Organ Recital
On Wednesday 10th September, the school was abuzz with the prospect of our Principal, Paul Bambrough, performing in the CP Hall.
The whole school attended this very special evening with introductions from two of our guests Dr Bernard Trafford, Chair of Governors, and HSH Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern, Purcell School Ambassador.
The recital marked the 275th anniversary of the death of JS Bach, exploring a representative selection of his organ works and showed us the extraordinary variety and ingenuity of JS Bach, the greatest of all composers for the organ. A wonderful evening was had by all (even Mr Bambrough, we believe!).
Godalming Rising Stars Concert
On 13 September, Ostap, Trevor and Julia took to the stage at the Godalming Rising Stars Concert, a concert series typically featuring conservatoire students. Our students were specially invited to participate, making their involvement all the more significant.
All three performers rose to the occasion with finesse, poise, and confidence. Their performance was met with an enthusiastic reception from the audience, culminating in a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the concert.
Lunchtime Concerts: Week One
It is so lovely to see the students keen to perform right from day one with the Year 12s and 13s keenly taking up the opportunity.
We have had fantastic performances from Anna, Julia, Ostap and Trevor: Debussy, Chopin (piano), Ysaye, Ravel (violin), Weber, Grovlez (bassoon) and Strauss (french horn). Well done for a sparkling first week of performances.
Lunchtime Concerts: Week Two Martin began our week performing Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, complimented by an atmospheric guitar piece composed by Carlo Domeniconi performed by Ekaterina.
On Tuesday, Brahms and Takemitsu piano solos followed Messager Solo de Concours, performed by Tristan and Matilda respectively.
Albert enthralled us all with his looping systems performing a great set to a packed JCS audience on Wednesday, with the lunchtime concert week finishing with dynamic performances from both Harry and Julia. Well done to everyone.
Woodwind Accelerate Day – Sunday 5th October
We’re excited to announce the return of Woodwind Accelerate Day at The Purcell School!
Sunday 5th October 2025
2–5pm (informal concert for families at 4:40pm)
The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey
Open to woodwind players Grade 5+ in Years 5–11, this special afternoon will include:
Side-by-side rehearsals with Purcell’s expert woodwind tutors
Performance opportunities and personalised feedback
An informal concert to round off the day, led by Mike Cavanagh, Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion
It’s the perfect chance for young musicians to play, learn and perform in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Please help us spread the word — if you know any young woodwind players who might enjoy this opportunity, do encourage them to register here.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our online Concerts and Events Guide here.
Wednesday 24th September – The Purcell School Chamber Soloists at Wigmore Hall
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, London W1U 2BP
Tickets: Tickets are £18 (£16 conc) and available from Wigmore Hall
The Purcell School’s most advanced solo pianists and string players explore the musical connections of Haydn, Liszt and Bartók, a rich repertoire founded partly on Central European folk music. There may also be a few surprises to complement the programme.
Programme to include: Franz Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 in C-sharp minor Paul Constantinescu Joc Dobrogean – Toccata Haydn String Quartet op 54 No. 2 in C Major Bartok String Quartet No. 3 Bartok Rhapsody No. 2 for violin and piano
Friday 26th September – Sarratt Festival of Music
Time: 7.45pm
Venue: Sarratt Village Hall, The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth WD3 6AS
Tickets: Tickets are £23.50 (£10 for U18) and available from Sarratt Music Festival
Students take the stage at Sarratt Music Festival, presenting classical showpieces such as Hubay’s Carmen Fantasie, Chopin’s Piano Sonata and sparkling guitar solos and duos.
Wednesday 1st October – Strings Department Concert
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Wednesday 8th October – Piano Department Concert
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Saturday 11th October – Hatfield House Music Festival Family Concert
Time: 11.00am
Venue: St Etheldreda’s Church, 2 Fore Street, Hatfield East
Tickets: Tickets are £12 adults, £5 4-18 year olds and available from Hatfield House Music Festival
Programme will include: Poulenc Mouvements perpetuels Poulenc Intermezzo from Violin Sonata Ravel Ondine For Piano Solo Ravel Minuet from Le tombeau de Couperin arranged for Wind Quintet Robert Saxton Tombeau de Ravel
Wednesday 15th October – Composers Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Open Morning
Sunday 5 October 2025, 10.00am.
Discover life at The Purcell School at our forthcoming Open Morning.
Tour our campus and facilities
Meet the Instrumental Heads of Department and key members of our school community
Experience outstanding music-making in a vibrant and nurturing environment
Advance booking is essential — please register here.
Over the summer holidays, Year 9 flautist, Rose, was the latest recipient of a loaned instrument from the renowned Cherubim Music Trust. The Cherubim Music Trust is a national charity that loans professional calibre orchestral instruments to advanced music students, and following a successful application, Rose is delighted to have been awarded a Powell Conservatory Model flute. Rose and her flute teacher, Mark Taylor, attended a Cherubim Music Trust event at the Savile Club, London in July to be awarded the instrument. 
Our new boarding students were welcomed in style with a fun-filled induction weekend designed to bring everyone together and set the tone for the year ahead.
