News

22.04.1920 – 20.12.2020 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Purcell Patron Dame Fanny Waterman at the age of 100, and pay tribute to her remarkable life. She was and continues to be an inspiration to all at The Purcell School, and has left an astonishing legacy in the Leeds International…

On Tuesday 27th November, The Purcell School hosted its annual Fundraising Gala at Drapers’ Hall; an evening of fine dining and wonderful music to raise vital funds for the School. The evening featured performances from Purcell students, a silent auction, a raffle and speeches from Principal Paul Bambrough, current student Gayatri Nair and alumnus Andrew…

The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO) has announced its 2019 orchestra and season. The 164 teenage musicians represent every region in the country and have been selected following 76 days of auditions held in 11 cities across the country where 710 musicians took part in auditions. The Purcell School is extremely proud to…

It is with the deepest of sympathy that we pay tribute to alumnus James Redfern who sadly passed away earlier this month. James was a truly gifted pianist, and during his time at The Purcell School he won first prize in the Weimer Liszt International Piano Competition for Young Pianists. He studied with instrumental teacher Tessa…

Purcell instrumental teacher Caterina Grewe is a critically acclaimed Steinway artist who has performed in some of the world’s most esteemed music venues, alongside such greats as Lang Lang. Throughout her career she has received many accolades, including third prize in the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, and finalist in the Dublin International…

  Russian pianist Dmitri Alexeev is one of the world’s most highly regarded artists, and we were thrilled that he returned to The Purcell School this weekend to teach and perform at the Piano Department Course. Referred to as one of ‘the most remarkable pianists of the day’ (Daily Telegraph), Dmitri Alexeev has enjoyed a…

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Martin James Bartlett for reaching the finals in the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholars competition. The foundation provides around 900 scholarships across Europe for students in full time enrolment at Conservatoire. The scholarship programmes have existed for nearly 20 years and provide 1000-2000 Euros towards the…

Congratulations to Purcell pupil, Lauren Marshall, who has not only been appointed Principal Composer in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO), but has also delivered an extraordinary original piece, Suspended between earth and air, to open the NYO’s 2017 Winter Concert tour. Lauren has studied at The Purcell School since 2009 under Simon Speare for composition,…

Head of Keyboard, William Fong, with the five performers on stage after the concert On 8 December, five of our sixth form pianists performed short recitals at the Barbican’s Milton Court Concert Hall. The pianists, selected by audition, were Andrew Garrido, Kira Frolu, Oliver Franks, Helen Meng and Rachele Howes. They performed a programme of…

Performers   The iconic Wigmore Hall   Post-concert, in the Green Room!     Five of our senior pupils gave short recitals at the Wigmore Hall on Sunday 20 September. The programme was as follows: Anon. Medieval dance Castello Sonata Prima, from Sonate Concertate, Book 2 Linde Music for a bird Leah Saltoun – recorder James…