Alumni Wall Biographies
Alexis Ffrench
Pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench blends classical tradition with contemporary influences. A former student of The Purcell School, his emotive and cinematic compositions have reached millions, making him one of today’s most streamed classical artists.
Kerem Hasan
British conductor Kerem Hasan, an alumnus of The Purcell School, has emerged as a dynamic force in orchestral music. Winner of the Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award, he has worked with major international ensembles.
Jacob Collier
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Jacob Collier is a genre-defying artist known for his intricate harmonies and innovative musical approach. A Purcell School alumnus, he gained international fame through his viral YouTube videos before winning multiple Grammy Awards for his groundbreaking work.
Robert Cohen
Cellist Robert Cohen has been a prominent figure in classical music since making his professional debut at 12. A former student at The Purcell School, he has enjoyed a distinguished career as a soloist, recording artist and educator, regularly performing with leading ensembles worldwide.
Anne Denholm-Blair
Anne Denholm-Blair, one of Britain’s foremost harpists, studied at The Purcell School before advancing to the Royal Academy of Music. She served as the Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2015 to 2019 and continues to perform as a soloist and chamber musician.
Yevgeny Sudbin
Russian-born pianist Yevgeny Sudbin, a former Purcell School student, has gained worldwide recognition for his interpretations of the classical repertoire, performing as a soloist with major orchestras.
Alexandra Ridout
Trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician in 2016, studied at The Purcell School. She has established herself as a rising star in the jazz world, performing internationally.
Alex Heffes
Film composer Alex Heffes, a former Purcell School student, is known for his evocative scores for films such as The Last King of Scotland and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Sona Jobarteh
Gambian-British kora player and singer Sona Jobarteh, a former student of The Purcell School, is the first professional female kora virtuoso from a griot lineage. She has brought West African music to international audiences.
Alim Beisembayev
Kazakh-British pianist Alim Beisembayev won the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, marking him as one of the most exciting talents of his generation. Educated at The Purcell School, he has captivated audiences with his technical brilliance and musical depth, performing internationally and recording for prestigious labels.
Bottom Row
Left to right
Mica Levi
Composer and experimental musician Mica Levi, educated at The Purcell School, is renowned for their avant-garde compositions and film scores, including the BAFTA-nominated music for Under the Skin.
Nicholas Daniel
Oboist Nicholas Daniel emerged as a leading woodwind musician after winning BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1980. A former student at The Purcell School, he has had an extensive career as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor, championing contemporary oboe repertoire.
Martin James Bartlett
British pianist Martin James Bartlett first gained prominence after winning BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2014. A graduate of The Purcell School, he has since established himself as a leading classical performer, appearing with major orchestras worldwide. His refined technique and expressive artistry have earned him critical acclaim, including success at the 2018 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Catrin Finch
Welsh harpist Catrin Finch studied at The Purcell School before becoming the Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales. She is renowned for her versatility, performing classical repertoire as well as exploring folk and world music collaborations.
Paul Philbert
Timpanist and percussionist Paul Philbert, a graduate of The Purcell School, has had a distinguished orchestral career, serving as Principal Timpanist for prestigious ensembles.
Jack Liebeck
Violinist Jack Liebeck, a Purcell School alumnus, is known for his virtuosic playing and versatility. He has performed with major orchestras, recorded extensively and is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music.
Tunde Jegede
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Tunde Jegede is known for blending African and Western classical traditions. A Purcell School alumnus, he has worked extensively with the kora and cello, pioneering new musical landscapes.
Alissa Firsova
Composer, pianist and conductor Alissa Firsova, a Purcell School alumna, is known for her distinctive compositions and performances, often blending Russian and European influences.
Julian Bliss
Clarinet virtuoso Julian Bliss is a celebrated soloist and chamber musician. After studying at The Purcell School, he launched a successful career spanning classical and jazz, collaborating with renowned orchestras and forming the Julian Bliss Septet, which explores the music of Benny Goodman.
Julius Drake
Pianist Julius Drake, a specialist in song accompaniment, is a distinguished recitalist and chamber musician. Educated at The Purcell School, he has collaborated with many of the world’s greatest vocalists and is widely regarded for his interpretations of Lieder and art song.
Each of these artists has carried forward the legacy of The Purcell School, enriching the world with their music and artistry.
