Purcell Clarinettist Performs with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
We are very pleased to share a highlight from earlier this month involving Matilda (Year 12, clarinet), whose achievement we are delighted to celebrate now.
As part of the LPO Junior Artist scheme, Matilda recently performed two pieces at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Bright Sparks concert. The LPO also shared a wonderful photograph of her during the rehearsal, seated on stage between Benjamin Mellefont, the LPO’s principal B♭ clarinettist, and Paul Richards, the LPO’s principal bass clarinettist.
A superb experience – congratulations to Matilda.
Year 7 Purcell Student Secures Place with the NCO
We are delighted to share that Rebecca-May (Year 7, violin) has successfully auditioned for the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) and has been offered a place in the U12 Orchestra.
This achievement follows two years of commitment and growth within NCO’s Projects Orchestras, and Rebecca-May is thrilled to continue her musical journey by joining the full orchestral programme in 2026.
Warm congratulations to Rebecca-May on this wonderful success.
Purcell Singers Visit Royal College of Music’s Opera School
Last Sunday afternoon (23rd November), a group of Purcell singers – Kiah, Sophia, Sonya, Daniel, Olivia, Alina and Mac – attended the dress rehearsal of Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen given by the Royal College of Music’s Opera School. The staging of this fantasy opera was most compelling and the singing was of the highest order. All the students were hugely entertained by the performance and it was a welcome opportunity to witness the standard of singing and acting achieved in this final stage of conservatoire training; an inspiration to all present.
Sixth Form Badminton Doubles Competition
This week saw another energetic instalment of our sporting highlights, with students taking to the court for the Sixth Form Badminton Doubles Competition. Well done to all who took part and demonstrated great teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the event.
After a closely fought final, Jack and Otto emerged as champions, narrowly defeating Aleks and Ayman by just one point – a fantastic finish to an exciting competition.
Congratulations to all our players for their excellent participation and sportsmanship.
National Children’s Orchestra Winter Concert
On Sunday 23rd November, the Main Orchestra of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain held their Winter Concert at the remarkable Woolwich Works, a vibrant cultural hub housed in the former fireworks factory of the historic Woolwich Arsenal.
Our Physiotherapist Dr Sarah Upjohn, joined by former Purcell School Nurse Hilary Austin, was delighted to attend the performance. While there, they also had the pleasure of bumping into Jarvis (Year 8), whose older brother was performing cello with the orchestra.
A wonderful afternoon celebrating young musicians in an inspiring venue.
Lunchtime Concerts
In the CP Hall on Monday the Middle School Strings gave us an atmospheric performance of George Walker’s Lyric for Strings followed by Tristan performing the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto.
On Tuesday we were in the Recital Room for an excellent concert with Rozalia, Jarvis and Maddie performing Barber, Strauss and Sibelius respectively.
On Wednesday Ethan, Otto, Flo and Miles delivered a well balanced jazz set in the JCS.
We welcomed 110 school children from local junior schools into the CP Hall for Thursday’s lunchtime concert to hear a wonderful presentation of John Rutter’s The Reluctant Dragon directed by Dr Allison, featuring the Sixth Form Choir, Gerard narrating, soloists Mac, Tristan and Mattias, and instrumental ensemble: Theo, Sonya, Martin, Carla, Roxy, Zoe, Madeleine, Sofiia, Reeka, Begum, Harry, Aleks, Kutay, Ken, Teresa, Yeju, Prince, Lucas, Pijus, Lavender, Anthony and Oliver.
Well done to everyone who performed this week.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our online Concerts and Events Guide here.
3rd December – Lunchtime Concert at St Mary le strand
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: St Mary le Strand, Women’s Royal Navy Service Church, St James’s
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Purcell’s talented pianists perform a lunchtime concert at St Mary le Strand.
Take a break in your day and join us for an hour of exquisite music-making.
Free entry – all are welcome.
3rd December – An Evening of Jazz, with special guest Anthony Kerr (Vibraphone)
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
The Jazz Department presents an evening of Jazz, featuring the Purcell Jazz Ensembles and Big Band, who will be joined by special guest star Anthony Kerr. A multiple BBC Jazz Award winner, Anthony is known as one of the UK’s finest Jazz Vibraphone players. He has performed and recorded internationally with Georgie Fame, Charlie Watts, BBC Big Band, Robbie Williams, Joe Lovano, Jacqui Dankworth and Courtney Pine. Tonight features student-led arrangements of well known Jazz Standards, showcasing their improvisation and ensemble interaction.
8th December – St Paul’s Evensong
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Open Morning
Sunday 1 February 2026, 10.00am to 1.00pm.
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.
This week saw another energetic instalment of our sporting highlights, with students taking to the court for the Sixth Form Badminton Doubles Competition. Well done to all who took part and demonstrated great teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the event.
On Sunday 23rd November, the Main Orchestra of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain held their Winter Concert at the remarkable Woolwich Works, a vibrant cultural hub housed in the former fireworks factory of the historic Woolwich Arsenal.
