From Classroom Idea to Studio Release – Natty Purbrick’s Jazz Collaboration
We are delighted to share the latest musical release, entitled BIRD SONG, from alumnus Natty Purbrick, whose new jazz fusion video brings together an inspiring mix of current and former Purcell students.
“It’s here!!! The big jazz fusion collaboration is now fully released,” says Natty. “It’s been a long time coming, so I hope you enjoy it and share it with everyone imaginable – in school and out!”
The track has a special connection to Purcell. Natty first wrote the tune on his very first day at Purcell, during a creative ‘getting-to-know-each-other’ task set by Paul Hoskins, Director of Music. Two years later, that spark of inspiration evolved into a full studio recording – a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives among Purcell musicians.
The video features a line-up of talented Purcellians, who together deliver an energetic and beautifully layered performance that perfectly captures the essence of jazz fusion.
The video is live on YouTube here.
Congratulations to Natty and all involved on this fantastic achievement!
Thomas Kelly to Perform Rachmaninov with the Oxford Symphony Orchestra
Purcell alumnus Thomas Kelly will return to the concert platform in Oxford Town Hall this month, performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Oxford Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert Max. The concert takes place on Sunday 23rd November 2025 at 7.30pm.
Thomas, who has been delighting audiences with performances of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the orchestra in recent years, now turns to the composer’s final piano concerto – a richly complex and exhilarating work that combines Rachmaninov’s signature lyricism with daring modernist colours. The programme also includes Stravinsky’s witty ballet suite Jeu de Cartes and Tchaikovsky’s deeply emotional Symphony No. 6 (‘Pathétique’).
Tickets are available via the Oxford Symphony Orchestra website.
Moving Alumna Moment at International Piano Competition
Purcell School alumna Yumeka Nakagawa captured international attention at the recent 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw with her deeply moving interpretation of Chopin’s Prelude No. 15 in D-flat major, Op. 28 – the celebrated ‘Raindrop’ prelude. During her performance, Yumeka became visibly emotional, tears falling as she played, in a moment that resonated powerfully with audiences worldwide. Although she was not among the top prize-winners – with first place awarded to Eric Lu (USA), second to Kevin Chen (Canada) and third to Zitong Wang (China) – her heartfelt playing left a lasting impression.
New book on Steve Reich to be edited by Purcell’s Ryan Hepburn and feature Purcell Percussionist
Ryan Hepburn, Purcell’s classical percussion teacher, has been offered a contract by Cambridge University Press to edit a major new collection on American composer Steve Reich. Reich, who turns 90 in October 2026, is widely considered the most important living composer. His influence has been enormous for swathes of musicians and composers, through works like Drumming, Music for 18 Musicians and Different Trains.
This new, large-scale book, which will draw together essays and reflections on Reich and his music, will celebrate Reich’s legacy while giving readers insights into his catalogue and persona, with Ryan’s own written contributions on Reich’s Jewish identity and social commentary pieces. Other authors in the book include legendary percussionist and original member of Steve Reich and Musicians Russell Hartenberger, conductor Brad Lubman, singer Micaela Haslam, composers Nico Muhly and Timo Andres, as well as a host of well-known scholars on Reich’s music.
Furthermore, one of The Purcell’s School’s student percussionists will contribute a short, reflective essay to the book. Having worked on an essay competition piece with Ryan for the RPS Competition Award, Hannah (Year 12) will have her beautifully crafted piece about her experience of rehearsing and performing Reich’s Mallet Quartet at Purcell featured in the book, alongside others by authors including composers David Lang, Michael Gordon and video artist Beryl Korot.
The book is earmarked for publication in 2028 and further details will be available from Cambridge University Press in due course. What exciting news, our congratulations to Ryan and Hannah.
Purcell Physiotherapist to Speak at Youth Music Organisations Away Day
We are delighted to share that Dr Sarah Upjohn, Purcell’s Physiotherapist, has been invited to speak at the National Youth Music Organisations (NYMO) Away Day this Friday at Cecil Sharp House, home of the Vaughan Williams Library in Camden.
The event will bring together representatives from Arts Council England and fifteen leading organisations in youth music, including the National Youth Orchestra (NYO), National Children’s Orchestra (NCO), Orchestras for All and Music Mark. Dr Upjohn will be presenting her research and ongoing work on the wellbeing of young musicians – an area in which she is widely recognised for her expertise.
Concerts Review
Hatfield House Music Festival – Family Concert: 11 October 2025
A selected group of talented Purcell students had the honour of performing to an appreciative audience that included many young children at Hatfield House Music Festival Family Concert. The programme was very diverse – from Mozart to Ravel – delivered in a variety of formats from piano solo, harp solo, to a small chamber ensemble. The standout moment of the concert was Tombeau de Ravel, composed by Purcell’s Composer-in-Association, Robert Saxton. Many congratulations to all who took part: April, Ayman, Brad, Emily, Harry, Kiah, Lilly, Matias, Prince, Rhys, Selin, Skye, Teresa, Theo, Tristan and Stephanie. Your musicianship was sure to have made a lasting impression on the young audience and their families.
Purcell’s Head of Composition, Alison Cox, has provided a fantastic account and review of the Composers’ Concert below. 
On 4 November, the Purcell Chamber Choir travelled to St Albans Cathedral to sing at evensong. Under the direction of Tom Winpenny, and accompanied by organists Phoebe Tak Man Chow and our student Arthur, the choir delivered a beautiful and moving service. Congratulations to all our Chamber Choir members for their wonderful performance. 
