MiltonCourt
CharlesSewart
CHRIS HARBOUR
Director of Development
AstheSchoolclosesforthesummerafteranotheraction-packedacademicyear,Iwant to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us, be that via a donation,attendingaconcert,signingupasaFriendorsimplyintroducingotherstothe workoftheSchool.Itisnotonlyappreciated,butessentialforustocontinuetooffera world-classmusicaleducation.
The students have worked tirelessly this year and produced some outstanding achievementsasaresult.Thescaleofactivityisastonishing,withstudentsperforming in130lunchtimeconcerts(opentoallwithnobookingrequired),30externalconcerts (including highlights at Cadogan Hall, Watford Palace Theatre and Sinfonia Smith Square) and 60 additional concerts (from full-length solo recitals to an evening of musical theatre songs). You can read further about our concerts in this edition, includingourchambersoloistsatWigmoreHallonpage10andourorchestralconcert atMiltonCourtfeaturingalumDominicLucianDrutac,onpage13.
In order to provide weekly performance classes, coached chamber ensembles, masterclassesandapproximately850,000minutesofinstrumentallessonsinayear,we needawholearmyofpeopletosupportus.Aswelookaheadtothenextacademicyear, wewillbeintroducingsomenewfundraisinginitiativeswhichwehopewillinvolveand inspireourentirePurcellcommunity.Watchthisspace!
Attheendofterm,wesaidgoodbyetotheClassof2025 Ithasbeenapleasuretowatch this cohort grow and develop over the years and we have every confidence they will continueonthispositivetrajectoryastheyenterthenextphaseoftheirlives.Thisyear, five students hold offers at Oxbridge colleges and many have received bursary and scholarshipoffersattheirrespectiveinstitutions.Whetherourstudentsareheadingfor university,conservatoireorsomethingelseentirely,wewishthemtheverybestofluck.
Iwishyouallafantasticsummerandlookforwardtoseeingmanyofyouataconcertor SchooleventinSeptember!
CellistSiyue(Year9),recently achievedoutstandingsuccessatthe EalingFestival Siyuewasawarded firstplaceinboththeString Exhibition(16yearsandunder)and theStringConcerto(14yearsand under)classes.
Year12pianistAnnagavean outstandingsolorecitalinCyprus aspartoftheprestigiousPharos ArtsFoundationFestival,heldat TheShoeFactoryinNicosiaon 10thApril.
Performingtoapackedand enthusiasticaudience,Anna deliveredademandingprogramme featuringworksbyBach, Beethoven,DebussyandChopin allwithexceptionalartistry.
Areviewfromtheeveningpraised Annaas‘apianistofprodigious talent...withremarkable precision,expressivedepthand stylisticsensitivity,’noting especiallyher‘technicaland expressivematurity’and‘astriking degreeofpreparation,ethosanda senseofresponsibilitytowardsthe audienceandhermusic–attributeswhicharerare nowadays.’
Year11violinistVonwonFirst PrizeintheGrandVirtuoso InternationalCompetition, securinganincredible opportunitytomakeherdebutat thePhilharmonieBerlin.
Inadditiontothisachievement, Vonparticipatedinthe prestigiousVictoriaBCNViolin Competition,whereshe competedalongsidesomeofthe world’smosttalentedyoung violinists.Notably,PurcellSchool alumnusYinongXiaowon1st placeinhiscategory a wonderfulconnectionand reminderofouralumni’s continuedsuccess
PianistYazdi(Year13), performed Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No 2 withtheBuckinghamshireCounty YouthOrchestraonSaturday5th April.
Theconcert,heldatthestunning GarsingtonOperaStudiosonthe WormsleyEstate,wasconducted byTomHornandformedpartof Yazdi’sprizeforwinningthe BuckinghamshireYoungMusician oftheYear2024.
Year10pianistLucahadan exceptionalfewweeksbefore Easter,travellingacrossEurope fortop-levelmasterclasses, competitions,andperformances
HebeganinPariswitha masterclassledbyEbiAkiko,a juroroftheChopinCompetition, thenheadedtoLugano, Switzerland,wherehewon SecondPrizeattheJeuneChopin InternationalCompetition.There, legendarypianistMarthaArgerich praisedhisperformance
LucathencontinuedtoBelgium formoremasterclasses,including onewithJean-ClaudeVanden EyndenoftheQueenElizabeth Competitionjury.AsFirstPrize winneroftheCésarFranck InternationalPianoCompetition, heperformedapianoconcerto featuringhisowncadenza with theBNPParibasChamber Orchestra,receivinghighpraise.
Alongtheway,Lucamet celebratedmusicians,playedona historicPleyelpiano,and connectedwithpianistMartín GarcíaGarcía atrulyinspiring journey.
Von
PianistElizabeth(Year7)was awardedFirstPrizeintheEmanuel TrophyPianoCompetitionatthe NorthLondonFestival
RepresentingtheKingstonFestival, Elizabethperformedwith exceptionalpoiseandmusical maturity,standingoutamonga fieldofhighlytalentedyoung pianistsfromacrosstheregion A particularhighlightoftheevent wastheopportunitytoperformfor ProfessorFrankWibaut,adding furtherprestigetothisalready distinguishedoccasion.
Year12pianistTeodoragaveasolo recitalattheSalaEutherpeinLeón, Spain,followinganinvitationfrom theprestigiousFundaciónEutherpe. SupportedbySpain’sMinistryof Culture,thefoundationhashosted morethan7,500musiciansfrom over50countriessinceitsfounding in2004,providingatruly internationalplatformforyoung talent.
Teodoraperformedanhour-long programmefeaturingworksby Beethoven,Bach,Debussyand Prokofiev–composerstowhomshe
feelsadeepartisticconnection Her performancewasmetwithsuch enthusiasmthattheaudiencecalled herbackforthreeencores
Year10pianistKevinrecentlygave afull-lengtheveningrecitalatthe prestigiousPhilharmonicHallin Bucharest,Romania,on15thApril Thesold-outperformancewas recordedbyRomania’snational radiobroadcasterandwillbe sharedacrosstheEuropean BroadcastingUnion.
Furthertothis,Kevinwasalso honouredattheLondon InternationalChopinCompetition 2025.AttheMusicalMoments AwardCeremony,heldon11thMay attheprestigiousOgniskoPolskie–ThePolishHearthClubinLondon–Kevinwasnamedthewinnerof threeFestivalCategoryAwards: Nocturne,Polonaise,andScherzo.
HismorerecentrecitalatCharlton Houseon17thJune2025leftthe audiencecaptivated.Performingto afullhouseofaround100people, manywithmusicalbackgrounds, Kevin’splayingwasdescribedas ‘‘extraordinary’’byaudience
CongratulationstoYear11harpist Selin,whowasawardedFirstPrize inherharpclassattheNorth LondonMusicFestivalonBank HolidayMonday5thMay. members
FellowharpistStephanie(Year7) alsoenteredtheNorthLondon FestivalofMusic,SpeechandDrama andwasdelightedtobeaward SecondPrizeinhercategory.
StephaniethenwentontowinFirst PrizeintheJuniorComposition Competitionwithheroriginalpiece forharpandvoice, It Is Not Always May. ComposedovertheEasterbreak, thepiecewasinspiredbythepoem ofthesamenamebyAmericanpoet HenryWadsworthLongfellow. Aftershewasinvitedtoperformher compositionattheEnd-of-Festival Concerton20thMay,weare delightedtoannouncethat Stephaniewontheprestigioustitle ofBestComposer2025.
Year11bassoonistLillyrecently performedatthePrizeWinners’ ConcertoftheCambridge CommunityMusicFestival.Her performanceearnedhertheEly RecorderTrophyforBestWoodwind Performance,afantasticrecognition ofherskillandmusicianship.
Inadditiontothisaccolade,Lillyhas beeninvitedtoperformataCCMF ShowcaseLunchtimeConcertin CambridgethisAugust,offering anotherexcitingopportunityto sharehermusicwithawider audience
UpperSixthclassicalpianistPhoebe washonouredtobeinvitedto performRachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini withThe WatfordSymphonyOrchestra conductedbyStuartDunlopintheir soldoutSummerConcert The atmospherewasamazingandshe receivedastandingovationanda wonderfulapplausefromthe incredibleaudienceatStLuke’s Church.Leadinguptotheconcert Phoebewasinterviewedon WycombeSoundsontheClassics CountRadioShowbytheaward
winningpresentersMartinClarke andHeatherHarrison,which airedonSunday4thMayandcan befoundonSoundCloudhere.
Year13pianistYazdirecently travelledtoItalytoperform Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C major, K.415 withtheGliArchidelCDM Orchestra Theconcert,conducted byFedericoBiscione,tookplaceon 11thMayinTivoli,Rome,and markedtheopeningofthe InternationalCompetitionforYouth ‘DinuLipatti’.
CommercialandPopularMusic Departmentsongwritingstudent Clara(Year11),hasbeennamed oneofthetop30finalistsinthe SongAcademy’sYoung SongwritersCompetition(16-18 agecategory)
Competingagainstover180 entries,Clara–artistname ‘ClaraTee’–wasselectedforher originaltrack‘TheCore’.Thesong showcasesherdistinctivevoice andsongwritingtalent,andyou canlistentoithere.
Clarahasalsodemonstratedtrue dedicationandartistryby performingtwosolo45-minutesets inoneday–featuringmostlyher ownoriginalsongs.
Hermainperformancewaspartof Chesham’s2ndFringeFestival,held overtheMayBankHoliday weekend,whichfeaturedavibrant line-upofartistsfromtheworldsof music,comedyandspokenword. Clara’ssetwasastandoutmoment, showcasinghersongwritingtalent andstagepresence.
Weareincrediblyproudofour talentedYear8jazzpianistand composer,Marcus,whorecently featuredinThePiano,Channel4’s acclaimedseriescelebrating extraordinarymusiciansfrom acrosstheUK.
InanearlyroundMarcus’ssoulful jazzinterpretationandoriginal compositionwasahighlight PerforminghispieceBlueHaze, inspiredbyAustralia’sBlue Mountains,Marcusdemonstrated hisexceptionalcreativityand compositionalskills.
Marcuswentontodelivera standoutperformanceinthefinal Inaseriesfirst,Marcuswaspaired withfellowcontestantPhilfora surpriseduet,markingthe inauguralduoperformanceinthe show’sfinale.Theircollaboration showcasedtheprofound connectivityinherentinjazz music,captivatingboththejudges andtheaudience.
WatchhisperformancewithPhil inthefinalepisodehere(24:42).
Year13singer-songwriter,Oscar wasinvitedtoperformatnone otherthanGlastonburyFestival 2025!HetooktotheLizard StageonThursday26thJuneat 3pmandshowcasedhismusic toalivefestivalaudience.
Inadditiontothismilestone, Oscarhasalsoreachedthetop 30finalistsoftheSongAcademy YoungSongwriter2025 Competition.Histrack End of the Summer,co-writtenwith PurcellalumnusNathaniel Merkes,earnedhimaspotin thisprestigiousnational competition.
Willow(Year10)hasalsobeen namedoneofthetop30finalistsof theSongAcademyYoung Songwriter2025Competition.
Heroriginaltrack, Hesitate,was selectedfromhundredsofentries acrosstheUK,showcasingher uniquevoiceandsongwriting talent.
Skye(Year11,baritonehorn) spentaweekatPangbourne College,Berkshire,onthe2025 EastercourseoftheNational YouthBrassBandofGreat Britain(NYBBGB) Thiswasan intensiveweekofindividual, sectionalandfullband rehearsalsworkingwithworld classtutors–includingPurcell HeadofWind,Brassand Percussion,MikeCavanagh.
LedbyLieutenantColonelDavid BarringerMVOMBE, CommandingOfficerofthe BandsoftheHousehold Division,thecourseculminated withtwosoldoutconcerts;the firstatTidworthGarrison Theatre,Wiltshire,andthe secondatHalifaxMinster,
Yorkshire.TheTidworthconcert alsofeaturedthecourse’sguest soloist,trombonistandPurcell alumnaIsobelDaws.
Ithasbeenaremarkablefew monthsforYear8pianistMichael. OnSunday27thApril,Michaelgave hisfirstsolopianorecitalatEaling GreenChurch,performingan impressive45minuteprogramme toawarmlyreceptiveaudience
OnSaturday3rdMay,Michaeltook tothestageatStJohn-atHampsteadtoperformthefirst movementofMozart’s Piano Concerto No.5 in D major, accompaniedbytheacclaimed chamberorchestraCamerata Tchaikovsky.
Michael’ssuccesscontinuedinthe competitionarena.OnMonday5th May,hecompetedintheNorth LondonFestival,winningfirstplace intheLiszt/Chopinclass(openage category).Thiswasfollowedby anotheraccoladeonSunday18th May,whenMichaelwasawarded firstplaceandatrophyinthe Sonatacategory(12andunder)at theEalingFestivalheldatStMary’s
Church,Perivale.
Tom(Year13clarinet)wasinvited byRyanHepburntoperformaspart ofapercussionmasterclasson Scandinavianrepertoireatthe GuildhallSchoolofMusicDramaon Tuesday,whereheperformedthe Nielsen Clarinet Concerto alongside RyanandDebbieShah.
Tomspokeveryeloquentlyabout thepiecetotheGuildhallSchool studentsandstaffbeforehis performance,thenproceededto giveacommitted,technically polishedandexcitingperformance ofthisfiendishlydifficultwork.A challengeforallthreeperformers, the Clarinet Concerto isparticularly difficulttoperforminthischamberlikesetting(withoutaconductor, andwhereeachperformerhasto beacutelyawareofbalanceand rhythmicinterplayatalltimes).
Year13clarinettistBircerecently performedalongsideElla(Year 13,cello)andAaron(Year13, piano)aspartofTheMarian AndersonFridayClassicsseriesat TheBowler’s,Farringdon,on Friday13thJune2025
Thetrio,formedlastyear,has quicklybuiltareputationfortheir engagingperformances,regularly receivingstandingovationsfrom audiences.Theirlatestconcertwas noexception,withawarm receptionfromthoseinattendance.
Bircehasalsobeennamedoneof thisyear’sWomenStarsof Tomorrow,aprestigiousaward presentedbytheIstanbulCulture& ArtFoundation(IKSV) Thisinitiative recognisesandsupports outstandingyoungwomen musicians,andBircewasselected amongjust13recipients.
Aspartoftheawardceremonyon 21stJuneatthestunningSureyya OperaHallinIstanbul,Bircegavea memorableperformanceofDarius Milhaud’s Scaramouche andAhmed AdnanSaygun’s Horon –avibrant, folk-inspiredpieceoriginallywritten forsolopiano Transcribedfor clarinetandtakenatanambitious tempo,Birce’sinterpretation broughttheenergeticTurkish dancetolifeandearnedthehera standingovation.
Tymofiy(Year8)wasawardeda GoldAward(AdvancedLevel) attheUKSchoolsMusicFestival 2024–2025,alongside1stplacein theStudycategoryand2ndplace intheOwnChoiceSoloatthe EalingFestival.Additionally, TymofiyearnedaDiplomaof Participationattheprestigious 32ndInternationalFryderyk ChopinPianoCompetitionfor ChildrenandYouthinSzafarnia, Poland
Overthecourseofthelasttwo months,Rhys(Year11,trumpet hasperformedwiththe NationalOpenYouthOrchestra (NOYO)ontheir2025concert tour.Thistookinperformances atMiltonCourt,London;The Lighthouse,Poole;Hoddinott Hall,Cardiff;andTownHall, Birmingham.)
Year13composerAdihashada standoutyear,gaining internationalrecognitionforher originalworks
ShewontheHighSchoolcategory of The Sound Ensemble CompositionCompetitionwithher piece Flourish Regardless,which wasperformedliveinMay.
Adihasalsobeenselectedforthe prestigiousSheLivesMasterclassin BudapestthisJuly,wherethe RomanQuartetwillperformher work For What We Give: Movement II – Distortion
Herorchestralpiece Dragonflies Indoors willbeperformedin ColognethisSeptemberaspartof theInternationalAlliancefor WomeninMusic’sglobalconcert series.
Inaddition,herstringquartet Devotion hasbeennamedawinner atItaly’sFemfestivalandwillbe performedinFlorencethis November.
ComposerNatty(Year13) premieredabrandnewworkatthe startofJuly.
Dreams That Land On Wheeler –inspiredbythelatejazzcomposer KennyWheeler–waswritten especiallyforhisbrotherLuke Purbrick’sjazzoctet.Thework receiveditsfirstperformanceon Wednesday2ndJulyatthe beautifulChapelofStPeter&St PaulinGreenwich,withNatty himselfconducting.
Congratulationstoallourstudentsontheirrecentachievements.
Tom Birce,AaronandElla Birce
MASTERCLASSES
Our students have benefited from numerous enriching masterclasses this term. A selection of these opportunities have been made possible thanks to the generous supportofTheDavidLaingFoundation,whosedonationishelpingusbringsuchvital, high-qualityexperiencestoourstudents.
TheFluteDepartmentwastreatedtoahugelyinspirationalflute masterclass by the brilliant Anna Wolstenholme, currently Principal Flute at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Suanoi, Ekaterina, Rose, Lia and Kiah performed a wonderful mix of repertoirealongsideMsShah.Thestudentshadtheopportunity tohearaboutAnna‘svariedcareersofar,fromperforming
professionallyinSaoPauloandBergen,to herworkmoreclosertohomenowatthe RoyalAcademyofMusic.
Justbeforetherecenthalf-termbreak,our singers had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a masterclass with Louise CranefromtheRoyalBirmingham
Conservatoire.Witha warmyetauthoritativepresence,Louisebroughtouttheverybest ineachparticipant–fromtheyoungestsingerstothoseinYear13.
OnWednesday25thJune,weweredelightedto welcome renowned saxophonist, Huw Wiggin, (Professor of Saxophone, Royal Academy of Music) as the external assessor for our Woodwind Repertoire Assessments. Huw thoroughlyenjoyedlisteningtoawiderangeof repertoire performed to an extremely high standardbyourfirststudywoodwindstudents, and then also spent the afternoon working directlywithourClassicalSaxophonestudents. AhugethankstoHuwforthevisit!
On Monday 30th June, we were pleased to welcome Mick Doran into School to deliver a masterclass for our Percussion students. Mick shared his expertise on snare drum, bass drum and cymbal technique before helping our percussionists on upcoming concert repertoire for Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Mick then came back to Purcell the followingeveningtoperformwithour SymphonicWindOrchestra!Anunbelievableexperienceforallourpercussionistshere–thank youMick!
We were delighted to welcome British Horn virtuoso, Mike Thompson, and a Horn Quartet fromtheRoyalAcademyofMusictoworkwithour French Horn students. The morning began with Brad, Trevor, John, Theo and Jarvis performing solorepertoire,accompaniedbyMrSwainandMr Ellis, and received top tips from Mike. The RAM hornstudentsthenjoinedPurcellstudentsto prepare ensemble pieces for the Lunchtime Concert, before moving onto sectional work on theupcomingSymphonyOrchestraconcertatMiltonCourton7thJuly.
The Purcell School welcomed Dr. Simon Frisc musicologist and composer from Stanford Universit California, for seminars, talks and individual session with students. He held two seminars for Compositio students, where he discussed his own music an scores, as well as how his research interests o medievalandRenaissancemusicinformhiswork.Th nextmorning,hegaveatalktoYear12and13studen duringwhichhetalkedabouthislifeand
career to date, as well as answering questions from both Mr Shiner and students about the realities of living and working as a portfolio musician. For the rest of the day, in addition to visitingtheYear13AdvancedAnalysisseminar,whereheintroducedstudentstotheanalysis of Renaissance polyphonic music, he also gave selected students individual feedback on compositions, essays, and answered questions about life in the profession as well as internationalstudy.ThiswasawonderfulopportunityforsomanyatPurcelltobenefitfrom hisknowledgeandexpertise,andhewasblownawaybythestandardofworkandenthusiasm shownbyourstudents!
WIGMORE HALL CHAMBER SOLOISTS
The Purcell School Chamber Soloists, conducted by Paul Hoskins, gave a captivating performanceatWigmoreHallon2ndMay2025, celebrating the birth years of Ravel and Berio with a varied programme. Highlights included Ravel’s Tzigane, exquisitely performed by Year 12 student Julia and Year 13 student Phoebe; Berio’s Folk Songs,broughttolifeby11Purcell singerswhoportrayedtheuniquecharactersof each song; and the world premiere of Robert Saxton’s Le tombeau de Ravel.Year10pianists
Luca and Stephanie concluded the concert with an engaging performance of Ravel’s La Valse arrangedbyIainFarringtonforPiano4hands.Allworkswereperformedwithcommitmentand maturity.Watchtheconcertinfullhere
We’redelightedtosharetheconcertreceivedaglowingreviewonthe Get the Chance website.
In a review full of praise, music journalist James Ellis opens with ‘In what might be the finest hour of music making I have seen in London for some time, I was caught off guard with The Purcell School,’andcloseswith‘A genuine joy to see young musicians play on this scale’.
Wearesoproudofeveryoneinvolved–notonlyforthemusicalexcellencedisplayedbutalso fortheprofessionalism,poiseandpassioneachstudentbroughttotheexperience.Thiskindof recognitionisarealtestamenttotheirhardworkandtothesupportofourdedicatedstaffand widerschoolcommunity.
Youcanreadthefullreviewhere
ST ALBANS CATEHDRAL EVENSONG
On Tuesday 29th April, Purcell’s Chamber Choir visitedStAlbansCathedraltosingintheirevensong. The choir sang beautifully to support the service, conducted by Tom Winpenny, Purcell’s organ teacher and choir director, and accompanied by Phoebe Tak Man Chow, assistant organist at StMartin-in-the-Fields,andYear10organistArthur.
BENSLOW MUSIC TRUST
On12thMay,agroupofYear12stringplayers,alongwithaharpsichordist,delivereda highlyaccomplishedconcertfeaturinganall-Baroqueprogramme,directedbyviolinist LucyRussell,atBenslowMusicTrust.MovementsfromVivaldi’s Four Seasons –‘Spring’ and ‘Summer’ – were performed by different student soloists, each showcasing their individualartistry.
Toconcludetheday,theensembletravelledacrossHertfordshiretoTheOldPalaceat Hatfield House, where they provided musical entertainment for a corporate event. Performingasachambergroupwithoutaconductor,theycaptivatedtheaudiencewith theirpoiseandmusicianship.
A th t i t it ‘Th i i th ll l l cake was the superb, d‘Therenditionwilllive
CASTLE VILLAGE CONCERT
AgroupofeighttalentedstudentsfromYears7and9visitedCastleVillageinBerkhamsted, where they performed for a warm and appreciative audience. The programme featured a wonderfully diverse selection of pieces, showcasing the students’ skills on piano, violin, cello,bassoonandtrumpet.
The weather could not have been more beautiful. Before the performance, students enjoyedrelaxinginthepicturesquegardensandminglingwithresidentsoverrefreshments –alovelyopportunitytoconnectacrossgenerations.
Well done to Anna and Elizabeth (Year 7), and Rowena, Marija, Sofia, Siyue, Lily and Elsa (Year9)forrepresentingtheSchoolsobrilliantly!
CHILTERN ARTS FESTIVAL AT HUGHENDEN PARISH CHURCH
On 13th May, four Year 12 pianists visited the beautifulHughendenManorandgavearecitalat the parish church on the estate. Once home to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, the church provided a sublime setting for an early evening journey through piano repertoire, spanningfromBachtoJanáček.
Lavender,Daria,TristanandAnnaeachhadtime
beforetheconcerttofamiliarisethemselveswiththepiano,undertheguidanceofWilliamFong. Afterapicnicsupper,theydeliveredahighlypolishedandemotionallyengagingperformance. Their professionalism was exemplary, and audience members continued to approach them afterwardswithheartfeltcongratulations.
CHILTERN ARTS FESTIVAL AT ST PETER’S CHURCH, GREAT MISSENDEN
It was a busy and rewarding week for our Year 12 string players, who performed alongside acclaimedviolinistLucyRussellinGreatMissendenonDay8oftheChilternArtsFestival.This concert marked the conclusion of a mini-tour that earlier in the week had taken them to BenslowMusicTrustandTheOldPalaceHatfieldHouse.
AparticularlyspecialaspectoftheGreatMissendenconcertwastheinclusionofreadingsby novelist Harriet Constable from her book The Instrumentalist. These readings beautifully linkedthemovementsofVivaldi’s Four Seasons,Corelli’s Christmas Concerto andanewwork by composer Deborah Pritchard, inspired by Harriet’s writing and workshopped with students from Great Missenden Church of England Combined School. The programme also featuredTartini’s Devil’s Trill Sonata,mesmerisinglyperformedbyLucyRussell.
Congratulations to all our Year 12 performers, and special recognition to the Vivaldi soloists Sonya, Isaac, Sofiia, Theo and Maddie. Additional congratulations to Sofiia, Fabienne andTeresafortheirstandoutperformancesin Corelli’s Christmas Concerto.
TCHAIKOVSKY AND SIBELIUS AT MILTON COURT
On Monday 7th July, The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra –over 75 students strong –delivered a powerful and emotionally charged end-of-year performance at Milton Court Concert Hall. Under the baton of Director of Music Paul Hoskins, theorchestrarosetotheoccasion with a stirring programme featuring Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture andSibelius’s Symphony No. 7, both delivered with impressive maturity and commitment.
The evening showcased the School’s thriving culture of musicalcreativityandexcellence. Highlights included the world premiere of Eternal Fall, an evocative new work by student composer Dring, and a virtuosic performanceofSibelius’s Violin Concerto by recent alumnus Dominic--Lucian Drutac, whose interpretation andsoundcaptivatedtheaudience.
It was a concert that not only demonstrated the technical and artistic accomplishments of our students but also celebrated their dedication, resilience,andpassionformusic.Theenergyinthehallwaselectric,andthe shared sense of pride from performers, staff, families and friends made it a fittingandunforgettableendtotheyear.
CLARE TEAL AND THE PURCELL SCHOOL AT WATFORD PALACE THEATRE
We were proud to present a truly unforgettable evening of music at the Watford Palace Theatre,aswewelcomedacclaimedjazzvocalistandBBCbroadcasterClareTeal,performing as part of her 25th Anniversary Tour. A packed-out audience filled the theatre, enjoying a vibrant celebration of live music that showcased the extraordinary talents of our students acrossmultipledepartments.
ClarewasjoinedonstagebystudentsfromourJazz,CommercialandPopMusic,andClassical departments, who performed with remarkable professionalism, flair, and enthusiasm throughout the evening. The concert featured a wide range of ensembles from intimate vocal trios and jazz groups to our full-scale Big Band, and the specially created ‘Hollywood Orchestra’,animpressivecombinationofBigBand,strings,andwoodwinds.
AlloftherepertoirewascarefullyselectedbyClareforthisspecialconcert,reflectingherdeep loveofclassicjazz,filmmusic,andtheGreatAmericanSongbook.Thecollaborationbetween Clare and our students created a truly uplifting and memorable experience, both for the audienceandfortheperformers.
WeareincrediblyproudofallthestudentswhotookpartanddeeplygratefultoClareforher warmth, generosity, and inspiration. The evening not only delighted our audience but also gave our young musicians an invaluable opportunity to perform alongside one of the UK’s leadingjazzartistsonaprofessionalstage.
MORTA GRIGALIUNAITE RELEASES LANDMARK NEW ALBUM
We’re thrilled to share that alumna Morta Grigaliunaite, pianist andinstrumentalteacherhereatPurcell,hasrecentlyreleaseda landmark recording: Rautavaara: Complete Piano Works. The album, released on Piano Classics, is the first-ever complete recordingofEinojuhaniRautavaara’ssolopianorepertoire.
The recording has already received high praise from BBC Radio 3’sRecordReview,whereitwasdescribedas:“Such a treat.”The reviewcontinues: “It was a huge task and she took it on in an incredible way...The performance is assured and muscular but also light and mystical where it’s appropriate She really dug into the heart of his music and has brought out something that maybe we haven’t seen before.”
ThealbumshowcasesMorta’sartistryandcommitmenttobringinglesser-knownrepertoire tonewaudiences.
ALUMNA TO HOST HERTFORDSHIRE OPERA GALA AWARDS
Alumna Bernice Clark is at the helm of a very special event – the Hertfordshire Opera Gala Awards.
The Gala Festival took place from 4th to 6th July in Watford, featuring a series of concerts showcasingawiderangeoftalentedyoungsingers.
Following their performances, audience and panel votes determined which standout artists wouldbeinvitedtoperformattheprestigiousOperaGalaAwardson26thJulyatStJames’ Church, Sussex Gardens, London. This culminating concert will see the selected performers taketothestagealongsideanorchestra,inathrillingcelebrationofmusicandartistry.Witha diverse programme that includes beloved classics, the evening promises something for everyone–whetheryou'reyoungorsimplyyoungatheart.
JACOB COLLIER CONTINUES GLOBAL SUCCESS WITH TOUR AND NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
WearedelightedtocelebratethecontinuingsuccessofPurcellalumnusJacobCollier,whose extraordinarymusicaljourneycontinuestomakeheadlinesaroundtheworld.
Jacob captivated audiences with two sold-out performances at the prestigious Adelaide CabaretFestival,wherehissignatureblendofvirtuosicmusicianship,audienceparticipation and warm, playful stage presence earned glowing reviews. Critics praised the shows as ‘unifying and unique musical experiences’ , with Jacob once again transforming concert halls intocollaborative,upliftingspacesofsound
Looking ahead, Jacob has just announced the Australian leg of his Djesse World Tour, with datesconfirmedforBrisbane,SydneyandMelbournethisDecember.SpecialguestNaiPalm (ofHiatusKaiyote)willjoinhimonstagefortheseeagerlyanticipatedperformances.
Closertohome,Jacobheadlinedatthissummer’s LoveSupremeJazzFestivalintheUK,performing alongsideindustryiconssuchasMaxwellandNile Rodgers&Chic.
In addition to his world tour success, Jacob continuestousehisplatformtopromotesocial
andenvironmentalcauses,recentlysupportingWorldOceansDaythroughpartnershipswith GreenpeaceandAuroraMusic.
CELEBRATING CHARLES SEWART
18 years of Inspiring Strings at The Purcell School
Charles Sewart has been an outstandingHeadofStringsforthepast 18 years. During this time he has not only shaped, guided and inspired the lives of countless young string players (many of whom have now taken their rightful places in the musical world), but he has also nurtured and developed a department of the most giftedanddistinguishedteachersinthe UK.
His educational philosophy - most notably his commitment to Chamber Music as the central spineofamusician’straining-underpinsthemusicalphilosophyofthewholeschoolandhis legacyandinfluencewillcontinuetoresonate(quiteliterally!)formanyyearstocome.Whilst stepping down from the Head of Strings role, we are delighted that Charles will continue teachingattheSchool.
“Having a part in guiding students to develop into phenomenal, assured and thoughtful artists is the greatest privilege.”
When did you start at school?
I started in the role of Head of Strings in January 2008.
Has your role has evolved over the years?
How has the School changed?
Yes, when you start a job like this, especially as a newcomer to the line of work, it is necessary to take a good look at all the great things that are already in place. This takes some time. It’s then a question of starting to mould the department in terms of introducing elements that you feel might enhance the work of students and address any points of weakness This demands a change in emphasis in the way you manage the department from year to year.
I would like to think that the development and evolution of chamber music, in particular, has encouraged a more free approach for students to create their own ensembles. The ability to work together, often without support (or interference!) is an integral part of the learning process.
In its essence, the School has not changed all that much. It has grown a bit, it has become a bit more “posh” in terms of physical infrastructure. The heart and soul of the School remain much the same, although the natural change-over of staff and students over the years gives a different feel to the place from year to year
What are your key achievements or contributions?
We are lucky to have a phenomenal team of instrumental teachers I am very proud of all their work and, of course, the decision to appoint new staff has a major impact on the department.
Working with the Principal’s office we have been delighted to benefit from the expertise, care and wisdom of Julian Lloyd Webber and Dmitry Sitkovetsky. I am immensely grateful for their interest and support for my department over many years
The Malta Spring Festival, 2024 and subsequent projects, saw our newest Patron, Dmitry Sitkovetsky work and play alongside students in works by Mendelssohn, Baczewicz, Pārt, Purcell and Karl Fiorini (Artistic Director of the Malta Spring Festival).
Performances - orchestral, chamber, solo. There have been so numerous and exceptional that I should not single out anything. However, having just heard the concert at Milton Court, Barbican, the School can be immensely proud of the glorious sounds produced by a team of highly committed, talented and enthusiastic string players (and all their colleagues in other departments).
Can you tell us about any memorable projects or initiatives that you led or supported.
Chamber Music Academy - A Saturday programme which also involved external students. This project saw some inspiring interaction between the youngest, least experienced students with some of the most celebrated artists in the field, who gave their time to be a part of the project.
What will you miss most?
I will miss most watching the incredible growth and day to day development of our pupils. Every day we witness some of the most incredible work.
What are you most proud of?
The incredible focus and attitude of the students to develop their playing and their musical knowledge. As a violin teacher and chamber music coach I now find that I am increasingly learning from students. Their talent, inquisitiveness and focus makes working together more of a two-way process. This way of thinking is what I have strived to encourage and is now becoming more and more the way of life at The Purcell School.
What advice would you give to young musicians?
Remember how you started your musical life, and nurture the passion which is the starting point for your musical journey. As time passes, the pressures to achieve increase as the reasons for playing increase and become more varied (competitions, auditions, or simply paying the bills) If you can keep in touch with your reasons for playing, value the intrigue and magic that got you started, your playing will remain authentic and honest. Treat every performance as a new experience from the start, do not expect perfection, enjoy success but be humble.
DR FARDON FEATURES ON NEW LSO ALBUM RELEASE
We are delighted to share that Dr Daniel Fardon, Teacher of Academic Music and Composition here at Purcell, is featured on the newly released London SymphonyOrchestra(LSO)album, Panufnik Legacies IV.Hiscomposition, Flux,appearsalongsideworksby some of the most exciting early-career composers in contemporaryclassicalmusictoday.
The album is part of the LSO’s Panufnik Legacies series,whichshowcasesmusicdevelopedthrough the Helen Hamlyn Panufnik Composers’ Scheme, an initiative supporting emerging composersthroughcollaborationwiththeLSO.
Panufnik Legacies IV was released on 6th June 2025, and is available to stream and purchase.Orderthealbumhere.
WAVE ISSUE 3 PUBLISHED
WeareexcitedtosharethatthethirdissueofWaves,Purcell’screativemagazine,was publishedonWednesday21stMay.EditedbyDrDanielFardon,thislatesteditionisa vibrant celebration of the imagination and interdisciplinary spirit that defines our schoolcommunity.
Featuring contributions from both students and staff, the magazine spans an extraordinary range of topics – from mathematical art and musical analysis to fantasticalfiction,visualartandexperimentalperformance.It’sarichshowcaseofthe talentandcuriositythatthrivesatPurcell.
Reflectingontheissue,DrFardonwrites:“Editingthisissuehasbeenagreatprivilege; everysubmissionremindsuswhataspecialplaceofimaginationourcommunityis.” Thefullissueisavailabletoreadhere.
NEW CD LAUNCH FOR SARAH-JANE BRADLEY
We’re delighted to share that Sarah-Jane Bradley, oneofourviolateachers,hasrecentlyreleasedanew CD with her chamber group Karolos. The album, available on First Hand Records, features Mozart’s Divertimento in E-flat, K.563 alongsidetwonewworks by composers Robert Fokkens (Dawn Chants on the Umfolozi, Limping Dance) and Julian Joseph (Bring it!).
Therecordinghasalreadyreceivedrecognition,with
BBCRadio3’sRecordReviewpraising Dawn Chants inarecentbroadcast.Youcanlistento thealbumonSpotify.
To celebrate the release, Karolos – comprising Harriet Mackenzie (violin), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola), and Graham Walker (cello) – performed a CD launch concert on Saturday 24thMay,hostedatWorldHeartBeat,EmbassyGardens,London.Theprogrammeincluded worksbySchubert,Fokkens,JosephandMozart,withbothfeaturedcomposersattending.
IRINA
WALTERS PRESENTS ADVANCED
AURAL TRAINING AT INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTING ACADEMY
We are pleased to share that Irina Walters, our Aural and Choral Conducting teacher, recently delivered the final session in a three-part series for the International Conducting Academy’s course on Beethoven. Her session focused on advanced aural training for orchestralconductorsfromaroundtheworld.
TheworkshopcentredonharmonicanalysisofBeethoven’s 5th Symphony,promptinglively discussionandinsightfulquestionsfromparticipants Irinadesignedaseriesofinnovative teaching aids that were particularly well received. These included tools to explain the structure of intervals in harmonic minor and major scales with a minor subdominant, as wellascleardifferentiationbetweenthethreetypesofAugmented6thchords.
ParticipantsexpressedstrongappreciationforIrina’sapproachandforthecrucialrolethat aural training and analysis play in the development of musicianship – especially for conductors
ALEX
REDINGTON
APPOINTED NEW HEAD OF STRINGS
We are thrilled to share the appointment of Alex Redington, acclaimed violinist and educator, as our newHeadofStrings,beginningSeptember2025.
APurcellalumnus,Alexbringsexceptionalexperience both as a performer and teacher. He is a founding member and first violinist of the renowned Doric StringQuartet,whichheco-foundedattheageof15. Over 27 years, the ensemble built a distinguished international reputation and an acclaimed discography with Chandos Records. Their final Beethoven recordings were praised by Gramophone MagazineforRedington’s“mesmerisingplaying.”
Inadditiontohisperformingcareer,Alexisadedicatededucator,havingtaughtatthe RoyalAcademyofMusic,YehudiMenuhinSchoolandtheUniversityofCambridge.His collaborationsincludeartistssuchasBenjaminGrosvenor,JonathanBiss,Elisabeth LeonskajaandMarc-AndréHamelin,withperformancesatCarnegieHall,theVienna Konzerthaus,AmsterdamConcertgebouwandWigmoreHall.Asasoloist,hehas performedwithorchestrasincludingtheViennaSymphonyandBBCSymphony Orchestra,underconductorssuchasJohnAdamsandEdwardGardner.
Reflectingonhisappointment,Alexsaid:“IamthrilledtotakeupthepositionofHead ofStringsatThePurcellSchool.Havingbeenastudenttheremyself,Iamfullyaware oftheimportanceandpositiveimpactithasonshapingthefuturesofitsgifted students.Ifeelprivilegedtobeentrustedwiththisroleandlookforwardtoworking alongsidetheSchool’stalentedstafftohelprealisetheenormouspotentialofits students.”
PrincipalPaulBambroughcommented:“WeareabsolutelydelightedtowelcomeAlex backtoThePurcellSchool.Hisexceptionalmusicianship,inspiringcareeranddeep commitmenttoeducationmakehimuniquelysuitedtoleadourStringsDepartment intoitsnextchapter.Welookforwardwithgreatexcitementtoallhewillbringtoour musicalcommunity.”
DAPHNE BODEN 1942-2025
WeweredeeplysaddenedtosharethenewsthatDaphneBoden,oneofouresteemed harpteachers,diedattheendofJune attheageof83,followingaperiodinhospital.
Daphne dedicated her life to the world of the harp and to the many students she inspiredoverthedecades.ShetaughtattheRoyalCollegeofMusic,bothintheJunior and Senior departments, for 50 years, and became a valued member of The Purcell School’steachingstaffin1996.
Her contribution to music education, and her profound influence on generations of youngharpists,leavesalastinglegacy.
ALUMNI SURVEY
At The Purcell School, we value the opinions of our former students, which is why we are asking our alumniforjustafewminutesofyourtimetocomplete ourshortAlumniSurvey.
Bysharingyourviews,youcanhelpuscreateaclear picture of where our alumni are now and the pathwaysopentoourcurrentstudents.
Helpusbysharingyouropinionssowecanshapeour futureofferingsandimproveourreachamongyoung musicians.
ThereisaculturalcrisisunfoldingintheUK onethatthreatensthefutureofthearts both nationally and globally. Without investment in the early development of young musicians,werisklosingnotonlyindividualtalent,butalsotherichnessanddiversity ofourartisticheritage.
These formative years are critical, and the specialist teaching required cannot be delivered outside of dedicated institutions like ours That is why we are appealing for yoursupport.
OurBursaryFundexiststosupportfamiliesfromdisadvantagedbackgroundswhoare facingimmediatefinancialhardship.Formanyofourstudents,itisthedecidingfactor betweencontinuingtheireducationorhavingtowithdraw.
Every donation to the Bursary Fund goes directly to supporting those in our school community in the most profound need. The impact is immediate and life-changing. Yoursupporthelpsensurethatnoyoungmusicianhastoabandontheirfuturedueto financialbarriers.
Helpussafeguardthefutureofmusic.Pleaseconsidermakingadonationtoday.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...
SOUTH
ST BRIDE’S 16
JUNE 3.00PM
ST BRIDE’S, FLEET STREET
ST JAMES’S PICCADILLY 26
JUNE 1.00PM
MILTON COURT THE PURCELL SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MILTON COURT, 1 MILTON STREET, LONDON 1 JULY 7.30PM
PROMS AT ST JUDE’S ORCHESTRA 5 JULY 7.30PM
BENSLOW MUSIC, HITCHIN
Furtherdetailsfortheeventslistedabovewillbesharedclosertothetime.
If you share in our vision for what an exceptional future for music looks like and believe that the education of the next generation of world-class musicians must be a priority, please scan the QR code or for more information, please contact Chris Harbour, Director of Development on c.harbour@purcell-school.org or 01923 331131.
