Purcell Student Performs at Royal Albert Hall
We are thrilled to celebrate the success of Oscar, Year 13 commercial piano and voice student, who recently reached the finals of the prestigious Royal Albert Hall Future Makers Competition.
Oscar entered the competition in May and was invited to audition in person with his band in July. The audition took place in the Elgar Room, where Oscar had the unforgettable experience of playing on Elton John’s iconic red piano. Following the audition, Oscar was selected as one of just eight finalists. Over the summer, he worked with the Royal Albert Hall’s marketing team and received invaluable advice from producer Tony Young.
The finals took place on Wednesday 6th November, when Oscar and his band of Purcellians – Clementine (Year 13, vocals), Sam (Year 13, drums), Ramona (Year 13, bass) and Cole (Year 13, guitar) – performed Oscar’s original song, Victoria Line, to an audience of over 4,000 children from London schools, as well as family, friends and a panel of esteemed judges.
Reflecting on the day, Oscar shared: ‘Performing at such a prestigious venue was the best day of my life and one I will never forget. Thank you to my incredible band for bringing this song to life!’
Congratulations to Oscar and his band for this incredible achievement!
Purcell Composer Wins Excellence Award at Yinzhong Prize Competition
We are thrilled to congratulate Year 13 student Cole, who was awarded the Excellence Award at the 6th Yinzhong Prize International Composition Competition. Cole’s piece, Tears, a moving composition for baritone, violin and piano, earned him a place as a finalist in this prestigious competition.
As part of the competition, Cole participated in an intense 8-hour live composing test, where he crafted a full piano piece in just one day. The winners were selected based on a combination of both submitted pieces and the composition created during the live test. Cole’s Excellence Award, which is equivalent to a highly commended recognition, is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
Congratulations Cole. We look forward to seeing what you will create next.
Purcell Clarinettist Awarded Prestigious Norman Harper Bursary
Congratulations to Marina, a Year 12 clarinettist, who has been awarded the Norman Harper Bursary for the most promising under-18 player. This prestigious accolade, which includes a £1,000 bursary, was presented by renowned clarinettist Emma Johnson on Sunday 10th November at the Ongar Music Club.
As part of the award, Marina was also invited to perform a solo during the prize winners’ concert that evening, showcasing her exceptional skill.
We are incredibly proud of Marina’s outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing her continue to excel.
Purcell Violinist Receives Rare Violin on Loan
We are excited to share that Year 12 violinist Julia has been given a unique opportunity to play an exceptional antique violin, crafted by the renowned luthier Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. This rare and valuable instrument, generously loaned by J&A Beare International Violin Society, will be an invaluable asset to Julia’s musical development.
The use of such a prestigious violin will undoubtedly enrich Julia’s education and contribute to her continued growth as a musician. We look forward to hearing how this beautiful instrument enhances her performances.
Purcell Physiotherapist Supports Young Musicians at NCO Winter Concert
Dr. Sarah Upjohn, Purcell’s physiotherapist, also serves as the Wellbeing Lead for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO). In this role, she provides support to young musicians during their intensive residential courses at Easter and in the summer.
On Sunday, Dr. Upjohn reunited with the NCO Main Orchestra for their Winter Concert, held at Woolwich Works – a vibrant arts centre located by the River Thames, formerly the historic Woolwich fireworks factory. The concert featured stunning performances of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Reflecting on the event, Dr. Upjohn shared her admiration for the orchestra: ‘Huge congratulations to these young musicians on such a fantastic concert!’.
Jacob Collier Receives GRAMMY Nominations for 2025
We are delighted to celebrate the continued success of Purcell alumnus Jacob Collier, who has once again been recognized by the Recording Academy. Jacob’s Djesse Vol. 4 has earned a nomination for the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’, and he is also nominated for ‘Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella’ for Bridge Over Troubled Water, a collaboration with John Legend and Tori Kelly.
These latest nominations add to Jacob’s already extraordinary collection of GRAMMY wins and accolades, highlighting his innovative contributions to the music world. The 2025 GRAMMY Awards will take place on 2nd February in Los Angeles.
Congratulations to Jacob on this remarkable achievement!
Concerts Review
11th November – Smith Square Hall
On 11th November, Purcell students, joined by violinist, conductor and Patron of the school Dmitry Sitkovetsky, returned to Smith Square Hall for their flagship autumn concert. Ensembles from all classical departments presented a varied programme of music linked by themes of Remembrance. The programme included music by Britten, Strauss, Mendelssohn, Tippett, Karl Fiorini and Arvo Pärt. Three pianists – Yifei, Zhuldyz and Grace – also performed solo piano pieces – Barber’s Nocturne Op.33, Namucuo Op.53 by Ye Xiao Gang and Rain Tree Sketch II by Tōru Takemitsu. The Hall was full and all students performed fantastically with professionalism and care.
