National Youth Orchestra
We were delighted to hear that Year 13 cellist Ella has been appointed Principal cello of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO). Congratulations to Ella! Here’s to a fantastic year with the NYO.
If you are the parent or guardian of a Purcell student with news akin to this – be these musical successes, academic achievements or extra-curricular activities – which you would like to share with our community, we would love to hear from you at publicity@purcell-school.org.
Purcell Student Reaches 1 Million YouTube Subscribers
We are excited to celebrate a major milestone for Cole (Year 13), who has just reached 1 million subscribers on YouTube! Cole’s channel, known for its engaging and creative content, has grown rapidly, attracting a global audience and building an enthusiastic community of followers.
Reaching this incredible number of subscribers is a testament to Cole’s dedication, talent and ability to connect with viewers. We look forward to seeing where his YouTube journey takes him next.
Support Our School in the Arts and Culture Special Draw!
We have the chance to win £5,000 for Purcell, and we need your help!
Please nominate the School in the Arts and Culture Special Draw. Voting opens on Monday 7th October and closes on Friday 11th October. Every nomination counts and it would be wonderful if our School was in the running.
Click here to nominate. Thank you for your support!
Jacob Collier Calls for Climate Action in Arctic Performance
We are proud to share that alumnus, multi-instrumentalist and GRAMMY award winner Jacob Collier recently performed in the Arctic alongside Norwegian artist AURORA as part of a Greenpeace initiative to raise awareness for ocean and climate protection. Jacob delivered a captivating performance on a floating platform amidst icebergs, calling attention to the fragility of the Arctic environment. His collaboration aims to inspire global action against deep-sea mining and climate change.
Alexis Ffrench Releases New Classical-Soul Album
We are excited to announce that renowned pianist and alumnus Alexis Ffrench has released his highly anticipated album Classical Soul Vol. 1. This project blends soulful melodies from legends like Sam Cooke and Etta James with Alexis‘s signature classical style. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Fally Ipupa and Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola, the album is a deeply personal tribute to the music that shaped him. Alexis continues to break boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide.
Classical Soul Vol. 1 is available on Spotify.
Concerts Review
Lunchtime Concerts
This week we have heard piano, violin and voice performances with composers ranging from Mozart and Chopin to Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Well done to our performers: Tristan, Suanoi, Lia, Hannah, Chaeyu, Zhuldyz, Pijus, Fabienne and Sofiia.
Sixth Form Performance Platform – Wednesday 2nd October 7pm
Our sixth formers excelled in their performances to give a wonderful evening of music. Impressively delivered solo classical pieces were followed by a superb jazz group and original song to end to the event. Well done to Suanoi, Isabella, Rina, Dianna, Cindy, Thomas, Aaron, Jessie, Ales, Arabella, Keir, Angelica, Lucas, Jacob, Lilly and Cole for their fantastic performances.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our new online Concerts and Events Guide.
Wednesday 9 October – Robert Cohen Cello Recital
Time: 7pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission with a retiring collection. No booking required.
An evening recital by Robert Cohen (cello), accompanied by Daniel Swain (piano).
Programme:
David Popper Polonaise de Concert
David Popper Spanish Serenade
Gabriel Fauré Papillon
Gabriel Fauré Après un Rêve
Barbra Streisand/Michel Legrand ‘Papa can you hear me’
Schubert Winterreise D911 No.20 Der Wegweiser
Saint-Saëns The Swan
Saturday 12 October – Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival: Purcell School Showcase Concert
Time: 12.00pm
Venue: Marble Hall, Hatfield House, George’s Visitor Car Park, Great North Road, Hatfield AL9 5HX
Tickets: £12 adults, £5 4-18 year olds. Available from Hatfield House Music Festival website
Come along to a Purcell Concert as part of the Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival in the wonderful Marble Hall of Hatfield House.
Programme:
Beethoven Piano Trio in D, Op. 70 No.1 ‘Ghost’
Mozart String Quartet in Bb, KV 458 ‘The Hunt’
Sunday 13 October – Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival: Pierrot Unmasked Concert
Time: 13.30pm
Venue: Marble Hall, Hatfield House, George’s Visitor Car Park, Great North Road, Hatfield AL9 5HX
Tickets: £5. Available from Hatfield House Music Festival website
Stephen Johnson and Paul Hoskins explore the moonstruck musical world of Pierrot Lunaire with Claire Booth and The Purcell School students in the wonderful Marble Hall of Hatfield House.
Tuesday 15 October – Judy Carmichael and Sam Dunn Jazz Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
Join us for an exciting concert with Grammy-nominated pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael, one of the world’s leading interpreters of stride and swing piano. Known for her infectious personality and dynamic performances, Judy has played everywhere from Carnegie Hall to posh nightclubs in Paris and Melbourne.
With features on A Prairie Home Companion, NPR, CBS and the BBC, Judy has also hosted the acclaimed Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired for 25 years. She’s authored two books on stride piano and a memoir, Swinger! A Jazz Girl’s Adventures From Hollywood To Harlem.
Tonight, Judy will perform with her longtime accompanist and Purcell School jazz guitar tutor, Sam Dunn, along with some of our talented jazz students.
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:
Benjamin Britten Fanfare for St Edmunsbury
Arvo Pärt Fratres (soloist Dmitry Sitkovetsky)
Karl Fiorini Pentimenti
Felix Mendelssohn (arr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky) Letters in Music
Richard Strauss (arr. Dmitry. Sitkovetsky) Sextet from Capriccio, Op. 85
Franz Schubert Psalm 23
Richard Strauss Serenade in E-flat Major, Op. 7
Wednesday 13 November – 6th Form Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required
