Lunchtime Concerts
We had a special to start the week’s concerts with vocalists Sonya and Mac, well done for your performances. We have also been treated to violin, piano and a self composed piece on the celeste by Gerard. It was also very pleasing to see the double reed department flourishing with oboe and bassoon performances this week. Well done to Rebecca, Saule, Natalie, Kuan-Lin, Chaeyu, Zhuldyz, Yacub, Lilly and Ostap.
Rafael Gutiérrez Vélez Piano Recital, Wednesday 16th October
The school was very pleased to welcome alumnus Rafael Gutiérrez Vélez to perform an evening recital of piano music in the CP Hall. Rafael is now an accomplished pianist with extensive performance experience both in Europe and internationally.
The performance began with the gentle Paisajes by Mompou, followed by Beethoven Piano Sonata No.24, Scriabin Sonata Nos 7 and 4 and finally Chopin Sonata No.2.
The evening was much enjoyed by all.
Judy Carmichael and Sam Dunn Masterclass and Concert, Tuesday 15th October
On Tuesday evening, stride pianist Judy Carmichael visited the school to deliver a masterclass to our jazz, pop and commercial students alongside Purcell’s jazz guitar teacher Sam Dunn. The workshop included a mixture of Judy and Sam performing together, and with students in rehearsal for a joint concert that evening. Congratulations to all those who took part – it was a wonderful opportunity to play alongside such a high profile artist.
Purcell Physiotherapy Update: Dr UpJohn’s Busy Summer
Dr Sarah Upjohn, Purcell’s physiotherapist, has had an exceptionally busy few months. Alongside her regular weekly work with Purcell students, Dr Upjohn has been engaged in a variety of prestigious events and collaborations since July:
- She presented at the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) World Symposium, held at UCL, London.
- Visited the state-of-the-art Performance Science Lab at the Royal College of Music (RCM).
- Joined the National Children’s Orchestra Under 12s on their residential course in Somerset.
- Attended the Health, Economic and Social Impact of the Arts (HEartS) summit at the RCM.
- Worked with the RCM Junior Department on their ‘Wellbeing for Young Musicians’ programme.
- Collaborated with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic at Philharmonic Hall, contributing to a project creating guidelines for physiotherapists new to working with musicians.
- Participated in the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Musculoskeletal Working Group.
- Most recently, she spent three days at the National Physiotherapy UK Conference in Manchester, catching up on the latest research and best practices in physiotherapy.
Dr Upjohn’s expertise and involvement in these cutting-edge projects reflect her commitment to advancing the wellbeing of musicians both at Purcell and beyond.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide.
Monday 11 November – Sinfonia Smith Square: Schubert and Strauss
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Sinfonia Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA
Tickets: £10-20. Available from the Sinfonia Smith Square website
Students from Purcell, joined by esteemed violinist, conductor and Patron of the school Dmitry Sitkovetsky, return to Sinfonia Smith Square for their flagship autumn concert. Ensembles from all classical departments present a varied programme of music linked by themes of Remembrance.
Programme:
Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury
Pärt Fratres (soloist Dmitry Sitkovetsky)
Strauss arr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky Sextet from Capriccio, Op.85
Karl Fiorini Pentimenti
Mendelssohn arr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky Songs without Words
Ye Xiao-Gang Namucuo, Op.53
Barber Nocturne, Op.33
Takemitsu Rain Tree Sketch
Schubert Psalm 23
Monteverdi Beatus Vir
Strauss Serenade in E-flat Major, Op.7
Tippett Fanfare for Brass
Strauss arr. Howard Lorriman Festmusik der Stadt Wien
Wednesday 13 November – 6th Form Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Thursday 21 November – Chamber Choir Concert
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Church St, Watford WD18 0EG
Tickets: Free admission
The Purcell School Chamber Choir, together with organist Tom Winpenny, will perform a Lunchtime Concert at St Mary’s Church in Watford, conducted by the Principal Paul Bambrough.
The concert is free to attend. For more information, please visit the St Mary’s website.
Programme:
Vivaldi Magnificat
Durante Magnificat
Mozart Dixit and Magnificat
This concert is sponsored by The DMF Trust in Memory of David and Myrtle Franklin.
Refreshments will be available at the church at 12pm.
Friday 22 November – Lower School Concert
Time: 2.45pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Wednesday 27 November – Middle School Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Tuesday 3 December – Pop and Commercial Department Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Join students from the Pop and Commercial department in their showcase concert.
Programme details to follow.
Wednesday 4 December – Chamber Choir Concert
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Rosary Shrine, Saint Dominic’s Priory, Southampton Rd, London NW5 4LB
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
The Purcell School Chamber Choir, conducted by Tom Winpenny, present an evening concert at St Dominic’s Priory, accompanied by organist Phoebe Tak Man Chow.
Programme:
Durante Magnificat
Vivaldi Magnificat
Monteverdi Beatus Vir
Schubert Psalm 23
The concert is sponsored by the DMF Trust in memory of David and Myrtle Franklin.
Free admission but donations are kindly welcomed to support both the School and the church organ restoration fund.
Further information is available here.
Wednesday 11 December – Christmas Jazz Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Join our jazz students for a very ‘Merry’ Christmas concert with special guest Alec Dankworth.
Programme details to follow.
