The Cox Cryptogram – Celebrating AliSon Cox (A, Eb, C) on her Retirement

In celebration of the extraordinary contribution of Alison Cox, who retires this year as Head of Composition after nearly 40 years at The Purcell School, this special concert brings together a unique collection of new miniatures by both staff and student composers. Each work takes as its starting point a musical cryptogram derived from Alison’s name, with composers invited to respond in their own individual way to the pitches A, E-flat, and C (AliSon Cox). In German music notation, S refers to the note E-flat.

The result is a vibrant and imaginative sequence of pieces, ranging from solo works to quartets, each revealing a distinct creative voice while reflecting the remarkable diversity, invention and vitality of the School’s Composition Department. Performed by a combination of Purcell staff and students, this concert is both a tribute to Alison’s exceptional legacy and a celebration of the collaborative musical community she has helped to inspire over so many years.

Devised by Robert Saxton, The Purcell School’s Composer-in-Association, the project offers a fitting and affectionate farewell, marking the close of a longstanding and valued creative partnership.

The concert is free to attend but donations are kindly received. No booking required.