CHRIS HARBOUR
Director of Development
AstheEasterholidaysbeginandstudentsreturnhomeforawell-earnedrest,thereisa palpable sense of renewal in the air. The days are growing longer and at last we are enjoying glimpses of warmer, brighter weather. After a full and energetic term, the changeofpacetheEasterholidaysbringoffersawelcomemomenttoreflectandlook ahead.
Ithasbeenanexceptionallybusyandrewardingterm,filledwitharemarkablebreadth ofmusicalactivity.Ourstudentshaveperformedwithdedicationandpassionacrossa wide range of concerts and events, demonstrating both their commitment and their growing artistry. Among the many highlights was a memorable performance by the PurcellSymphonyOrchestraandJuliaMajewskaatCadoganHallinFebruary Wealso put a spotlight on our Composition Department with a lunchtime concert at Wigmore Hallfeaturingpremieresfromthreecurrentstudents,fivepiecesbyalumniofdifferent vintages and four by members of our distinguished teaching staff. The term was rounded off with a high-energy performance at Watford Palace Theatre playing the music of Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes, two giants of British jazz music. Our young musicians rose to each of these occasions, and more, representing the School with greatdistinction.
This edition of Notes from Purcell captures some of these special concert moments, alongsideawealthofotherachievementsandstoriesfromacrossourcommunity.You will find highlights from recent performances, updates on student successes and inspiring news from our alumni, including a reunion of former students while on an international tour with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. We are proud of our alumni’scontinuedaccomplishmentsreflectingthestrongfoundationsbuilthere.
Finally,pleasecheckthe‘DatesforYourDiary’pagesatthebackofthisnewsletterfor upcomingconcerts.OurnextsymphonyorchestraconcertwillbeatMiltonCourton1 July at 7.30pm. Anna Avramidou, winner of The Purcell School’s Senior Concerto Competition 2025, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, one of the most celebrated and majestic works in the piano repertoire. A concert not to be missed! (Don’t forget, Friends of The Purcell School can get 50% of concert tickets A link to join our membership scheme is on page 23).
Wehopeyouenjoyreadingaboutthemanyachievementsofthistermandwewishall oursupportersarestfulandrefreshingEasterbreak. c.harbour@purcell-school.org
Arthur (Year 11), won the Under-17 Bach Choir Carol Writing Competition with his original piece, The Winds of Winter. His composition was performed at the sold-out Christmas Concert at Cadogan Hall on 15 December 2025, to greatacclaim.
Awonderfulachievementanda fantastic opportunity to hear his music brought to life on suchaprestigiousstage.
French horn player Jarvis (Year 8) has been offered a place in the London Youth Wind Band for the 2026 programme. He is very excited to join this prestigious ensemble, which provides talented wind, brass and percussion players with opportunities to perform at the highestmusicallevel.
Since its formation in 2003, the LYWB has performed at renowned venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Guildhall, St John’s Smith Square and St Alfege, Greenwich, and has touredacrossEurope.
Year 10 percussionist Emil performed with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra at their recent concert at the Barbican.
TheLondonSchoolsSymphony Orchestra has two more concerts planned this year and will embark on a tour of Spain inthesummer.
Pianist Deedeh (Year 7) achieved two outstanding recent competition successes. Deedeh was awarded Second Prize at the 9th Bartók International Piano CompetitioninGraz,Austria–a remarkableachievementonan international stage – and, closer to home, she also won First Prize at the EPTA Competition(LondonHeat)
Congratulations to pianist Anna,(Year13)whoperformed a recital at Bach Recital Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 19 January.Therecitalwaspartof a special cultural event organised within the frameworkoftheCypriot
Presidency of the Council of theEuropeanUnion.
Anna performed at the invitation of the Ambassador of Cyprus to Indonesia, Mr. Nikos Panagiotou, and describeditasagreathonour torepresentCyprusonsucha meaningfuloccasion
Zoe(Year7)haswonFirstPrize in her local round of the EPTA (European Piano Teachers’ Association) UK Piano Competition and has progressed to the next regionalstage.
Luca (Year 11) was recently invitedtoperformattheSanta Cecilia International Piano Festival in Porto, Portugal, representing the next generation of international pianists.
The concert took place in a museum setting, where Luca performed a demanding programme including Rachmaninov’s Études,Ravel’s Toccata andaChopin
Nocturne onahistoricalpiano. His performance was warmly receivedbytheaudience,who praised his technique, tonal control and musical interpretation.
Following the recital, several audience members expressed how deeply his playing had moved them, and Luca was invited to return for a future performance.
Pianist Deedeh (Year 7) and violinist Blair (Year 7) recently performedataspecialChinese New Year celebration held on Sunday 22 February in the presence of the Mayor of Barnetandlocalcouncillors.
Thetwostudentswereinvited to perform as part of the festivities marking the Lunar New Year, contributing a beautifully presented musical performance to the event. Their playing was warmly received by the audience and formed a highlight of the celebrations.
Beulah (Year 12, voice) took partinanexcitingcommunity initiative at the beginning of March, as part of the development of the Camden Youth Voice Panel through CamdenMusic.
Working with another young musician, Beulah helped research and prepare a presentation exploring the history of music in Camden The presentation was delivered at Camden School for Girls on Saturday 1st March, where the pair introducedtheprojectandled a workshop designed to encourage other young musicianstojointhepanel.
The initiative aims to give youngpeopleastrongervoice in shaping musical opportunities within the borough, and it is wonderful to see Beulah playing an active role in this important project
Clarinettist Matilda (Year 12) performed at the Royal Festival Hall as one of eight musicians selected for the London Philharmonic Orchestra Junior Artists programme.
The concert brought the young artists together with membersoftheorchestraand participantsfromFuturesFirst for a special performance As part of the programme, Matilda rehearsed alongside her mentor, Tom Watmough, the LPO’s Principal E-flat Clarinet and a Purcell alumnus
TheJuniorArtistsalsohadthe memorable opportunity to meet the celebrated violinist Anne-SophieMutterbeforeher concert with the orchestra. It was an exciting and inspiring musical highlight of the halftermbreak.
Clarinettist Samsara (Year 11) has been accepted to attend theJuilliardSummerSchool
2026inNewYork
Samsara was one of only four clarinettists selected for this year’s programme, which will take place in August and brings together outstanding young musicians from around the worldforanintensiveperiodof studyandperformance.
This is a wonderful achievement and an exciting opportunity for Samsara to develop her musicianship in an internationalenvironment.
Year 12 percussionist Hannah has been selected from more than260applicantstotakepart in the prestigious Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra this summer.
The international programme, which takes place during the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, brings together around sixty musicians aged 15-18 from acrosstheworldforanintensive three-week orchestral experience. Participants rehearsemajororchestral
repertoire, receive sectional coaching from professional musicians from leading orchestras and perform in severalfestivalconcerts.
The highly competitive programme offers young musicians valuable insight into the professional audition process while developing their orchestralandensembleskills.
Pianist Kevin (Year 11) performed a charity recital at Aldenham Church in North Londontoanaudienceofmore than one hundred members of thelocalcommunity
His programme included Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata, Ravel’s Sonatine and Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante, showcasing both his technical assurance andexpressivematurity.Kevin’s performance made a strong impression on the audience, with many attendees staying after the concert to congratulatehim.
Regina(Year7) wasawarded First Prize in the Under 12 categoryattheRegionalFinal of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) UK National Piano Competition.
The competition took place on 15 March at the Royal Academy of Music, where Regina’s performance impressed the panel and secured her top place in a highlycompetitivefield
Violinist Reeka (Year 12) has been named Milton Keynes YoungMusicianoftheYear
This fantastic accolade recognises Reeka’s outstandingmusicianshipand performance.
Congratulations to all our students on their recentachievements.
MASTERCLASSES
This term, our students have benefited from a wonderful range of masterclasses led by visiting artists and educators. Below are just a few examplesoftheinspiringsessionstheyhaveenjoyedsofar.
Purcell’s percussionists enjoyed an extended hand drumming masterclass with polymath percussionist Chris Brannick, percussionist and founding member of Ensemble Bash, and Professor of Percussion at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The focus to start with was Conga technique, whereby students explored different techniques for producing the various sounds common to Conga playing. This culminated in a massed Salsa groove, where members of the group demonstrated theirnewly-acquiredtechniques.
Two African dances followed, played on Djembes. The first, Kumpo, is a vibrant dance from Senegal, with a call played by the whole group followed by individual for its “cherry picking” action, where ase,asiftopluckcherriesfromatree.
The group then studied Lenje, a Zambian dance with a more complex and extended rhythmic language, one characterised by cross patterns and complexoff-beatriffs.
Much of this part of the session was built around learning how to build up African rhythmic language bit-by-bit, with the students copying Chris’s playingandmemorisingmorepartsof themusicallanguagegradually.Once thewholelanguagehadbeenbuiltup,thegroupstitchedthewholedancetogether overapropulsivebasslineontwolowdrums.
In between all this, Chris introduced the percussionists to a variety of games designed to build trust and energy among the group, as well as demonstrate how percussionists often have to straddle the line between musician and actor. These gamestherefore(andperhapsunsurprisingly)rangedfromtheproblemsolvingtype tothecomic!
Combined Composition & Strings Department Workshop – Masterclass and ‘Writing for Viola’ Seminar
On Tuesday 3 February, the School was treated to a whole afternoon and evening masterclass and workshop by internationally acclaimed and celebrated violist and composer, Brett Dean. Brett was born and studied in Australia before moving to Germany He was a member of theBerlinPhilharmonicforfourteenyears, during which time he began composing. His music is championed by many of the leading conductors and orchestras worldwide, including Sir Simon Rattle, Vladimir Jurowski, Simone Young, Daniel Harding, Andris Nelsons, Marin Alsop and SakariOramo.
Brettledanimmenselyinspiringafternoon of composition and performance work withourstudents.Thesessionbeganwith
a short introduction to Brett’s career and creative practice, before moving into a performance-compositionmasterclassonstudentworks.Eachpiecewasperformedby students, followed by thoughtful discussion and feedback that supported both the composers’intentionsandtheperformers’interpretation.
After supper, the focus shifted to a specialist ‘Writing for Viola’ workshop Student composers shared short sketches for solo viola exploring imaginative, experimental writing (including extended techniques). Brett played through the ideas and offered practical guidance on what was idiomatic and feasible, alongside advice on notation andwaystodevelopthematerial,helpingstudentspreparetoexpandthesesketches intofullpieces.
Jonathan Maloney Horn Masterclass
On Wednesday 4 February, we were delighted to welcome Jonathan Maloney (Horn) to come and give a masterclass for our horn students. Jonny, 4th Horn of the London Symphony Orchestra and Professor at the Royal College of Music, delivered a highly detailedclass,beginningwithsomesolorepertoirefeaturingBrad,Trevor,John,Theoand Jarvis who all played brilliantly! Jonny then led a Horn sectional ahead of our Symphony OrchestraconcertatCadoganHallonMonday9thFebruary.
Youcanwatchtheconcerthere
Voice Masterclasses
Inthetwoweeksleadinguptohalfterm,thesingershadtheluxuryof–notone–buttwo masterclasses.
The first was given by our now very regular visitor, Richard Jackson. Richard’s illustrious career in opera, oratorio, concert work and now as a teacher at several London conservatoiresmeanshehasawealthofexperiencetoimpartinhisclasses.Althoughhis aim of encouraging the singers to delve ever deeper into the context and lyrics of their songsisserious,hemanagestodothiswithsuchenergy(oftenphysical!)andenthusiasm thatthewholeexperienceishighlyentertainingandenjoyableforallconcerned.
The second masterclass was delivered by Sarah Tynan, an exceptional Soprano whose skills are regularly on display with English National Opera in roles ranging from the eponymous Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor through to the glamorous Hanna Glawari, the central character in Frank Lehár’s operetta, The Merry Widow. Sarah is also a member of the vocal faculty at the Royal College of Music. In her classes, she focuses on helpingthesingerstofindthesafestandmosttechnicallyassuredwaytousetheirvoices andhowtoimprovetheirpresentationskills.Again,manythankstoSarahforherhardwork andencouragement.
Allthefirststudysingerswereinvolvedintheseclasses:Sophia,Kiah,Sonya,Craig,Daniel, Jakov,AlinaandMac.DanielSwain,oneofourschoolaccompanists,playedforthemajority of the singers but there were also welcome contributions from student accompanists, ArthurandMatias.
Inspiring Woodwind Masterclasses
TheWoodwinddepartmenthasenjoyed two inspiring masterclasses from distinguishedvisitingmusicians.
Oboist Melanie Rothman, a Purcell alumna and now a member of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as well as Professor of Oboe at the Royal CollegeofMusic,workedwithouroboe students Emily, Natalie, Isaac and Summer. The students also performed inalunchtimeconcertforMelanieprior to the masterclass Melanie greatly enjoyed returning to the School and catching up with Miss Cox and Mr Goetzee.
We were also delighted to welcome Miguel Ramos Salvado, Principal ClarinetoftheRoyalLiverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra, who delivered an inspiring class for our clarinettists. Congratulations to Ayman, Samsara, April, Yulin and Matilda for their excellent performancesassoloistsandasmembersoftheClarinetEnsemble.Manythanksalsoto DebbieShahandDanielSwainfortheirexpertaccompanying.
Ruth Faber leads Harp Masterclass
OnMonday9March,weweredelightedtowelcome renownedharpistRuthFabertoleadamasterclass withourharpstudents
Ruth Faber is one of the UK’s most accomplished harpists, having studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and later at the Royal College of Music, where she gained her ARCM. She has performed as a soloist around the world and with many of the UK’s leading orchestras. Her distinguished career has included roles as resident harpistatHarrodsandPrincipalHarpistoftheRoyal BalletSinfonia.
Alongsideherperformingcareer,Ruthisadedicatededucatorandcurrentlyteachesatthe Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Junior Guildhall, Wells Cathedral School and the UniversitiesofBristolandBathSpa.Ourharpists–Stephanie,Saule,Selin,Farrah,Queenie andRegina–greatlyvaluedtheopportunitytoworkwithsuchanexperiencedmusicianand teacher.
Composition Students Visit LSO Panufnik Workshop
On Monday 16 March, first and second studycomposers(Years10-13)visitedLSO
St Luke’s to observe the London Symphony Orchestra’s Panufnik Composers’Workshop.
Accompanied by Dr Daniel Fardon and Mr Archie John, students experienced a public workshop of six newly commissioned orchestralworksbyearly-careercomposers,performedandexploredin detailbytheLSOunderconductorJackSheen.Thescheme,guidedbyColinMatthewswith support from Christian Mason and Hannah Kendall, offers an exceptional platform for emergingcomposers.
ThevisitwasparticularlyspecialasitincludedanewworkbyPurcellalumnaLailaArafah. Studentsgainedvaluableinsightintotherehearsalprocessandthecollaborationbetween composer,conductorandorchestra.
Thefollowingday,JackSheenvisitedtheSchooltocontinuediscussionswithstudentsin CompositionSeminar,makingthisatrulyenrichingexperience.
CADOGAN HALL
ThePurcellSchoolSymphonyOrchestratooktothestageattheprestigiousCadogan Hall, presenting a truly monumental programme inspired by the golden age of film music (1930-1950). With over 80 musicians on stage, the orchestra delivered an eveningofcolour,dramaandsweepingromanticism.
TheconcertopenedwithDoreenCarwithen’sspirited Men of Sherwood Forest
Overture short in duration yet brimming with delightfulmusicaldetails.
Our Year 13 violinist, Julia, then absolutely captivated the audience with an expressive performance of the Violin Concerto by Korngold, with lush tone, brilliant musicality and poise. Whatastarperformancethiswas.
Theexhilaratingsecondhalffeaturedthestirring Spitfire Prelude and Fugue byWalton,followedby the deeply romantic Symphony No. 2 by Howard Hanson.
Under the baton of our Director of Music, Paul Hoskins,thestudentsunitedasoneteam,
deliveringacommittedandinspiringperformancethatdemonstratedbothtechnical excellenceandexpressivematurity.
Another highlight of the evening was the fabulous jazz set performed by Marcus, Seth, Pawaan, Flo and Miles. The pre-concert atmosphere in the main lobby was electric Purcell staff had never seen so many audience members arrive early to enjoythepre-concertdrinksandtimespentbeforethemainperformance.
THWAITES BASS ROOM SESSION CONCERT
On 10 February, two outstanding jazz ensembles travelled to Thwaites Violin Shop in BusheytoperformtwosetsaspartoftheirBassRoomConcertSeries.
Thefirstgroup Miles,Mahla,Julianna,MarijaandFlo wasjoinedbyHeadofJazz SimonAllen,whoperformedalongsidethestudents.Theirprogrammeincludedworks by legendary British saxophonist Tubby Hayes, with one piece featuring original lyrics writtenbystudentMarija awonderfulcreativeaddition.
ThesecondsetfeaturedEthanandPawaanalternatingondrums,alongsideOtto,Seth, Flo and Marcus. Simon Allen again joined the ensemble, performing side-by-side with Ottoonsaxophoneinanenergeticandcollaborativeset.
Theaudiencereceptionwaswarmandenthusiasticthroughout.Asourfirstappearance at Thwaites, the evening marked an exciting new partnership. With such vibrant and engagingmusic-makingondisplay,weareconfidentthattheaudiencebasewillgrow rapidly.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT AT ST MARY LE STRAND
On 4 March, three Year 12 pianists presented a one-hour recitalatStMaryleStrandinthe heart of London. Their performances of works by Clementi, Chopin, Haydn and Schumann were of an exceptionally high standard. Audience members – including many tourists who stopped by after hearing the music from outside – remarked on the qualityofthemusic-making.
It was a chilly but beautiful springday,andthechurch’stwo magnolia trees attracted many visitors.
A HISTORY OF THE PURCELL SCHOOL COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT, WIGMORE HALL
On Thursday 12 March, The Purcell School Chamber Soloists performed a special lunchtime concert at Wigmore Hall entitled A History of The Purcell School Composition Department.
The programme celebrated the remarkable legacy of the School’s Composition Department,featuringshortworksbydistinguishedalumniandaffiliatedcomposers includingOliverKnussen,JosephPhibbs,GarethMoorcraft,KristinaArakelyan, Yiruma,AlexisFfrench,EdwardLongstaffandAlisonCox.
Alongside these works, new compositions by current students Yoko, Gerard and Kaelan were performed, selected through a competitive process adjudicated by composerMarkBowden.
The concert also marked the forthcoming retirement of Alison Cox, Head of Composition,whowillstepdownattheendofthisacademicyearafter38yearsof exceptional service. During her time at the School she has inspired and shaped generationsofcomposers,leavinganextraordinaryandlastinglegacy.
“What a privilege and honour it was to be at the Wigmore Hall on Thursday 12th March for a celebration of The Purcell School’s Composition Department! It was wonderful to hear a contemporary programme performed so superbly by our own students. Those who had never been to a Purcell concert were blown away by the talent of the performers and composers. I was amazed and completely delighted to see so many of our alumni there; brilliant young composers whom I have greatly enjoyed teaching over the years and who are now making their mark in the profession. Some alumni composers were, of course, featured in the concert itself, and I was utterly grateful to have two pieces dedicated to me by Kristina Arakelyan and Edward Longstaff.
“There were some stunning works by three of our current pupils, Kaelan, Gerard and Yoko which were especially pleasing to hear. And of course I was both terrified and thrilled that my own quintet, Scrawlette was the opening item in the concert! Thank you to everyone at Purcell – I shall never, ever forget this extraordinary event.”
Alison Cox (Head of Composition)
JAZZ CONCERT AT WPT
THE MUSIC OF RONNIE SCOTT & TUBBY HAYES
ThePurcellSchoolJazzDepartmenttooktothestageatWatfordPalaceTheatreon24 March, delivering a spirited and compelling celebration of two towering figures of British jazz in The Music of Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes. The concert was led by distinguished British tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett, who had worked closely with thestudentsintheweeksleadinguptotheperformance.
Theline-upfeaturedthePurcellImprovGroup,JazzEnsemble,Lower/MiddleSchool Improv Group, and the Big Band, with Spillett directing from the tenor sax. He was joined by guest artists Mark Nightingale on trombone and George Hogg on trumpet, alongsidetheschool’sHeadofJazz,SimonAllen,onsaxophone.
The programme paid tribute to the music of Tubby Hayes and his band, whose work helped define the British jazz scene of the 1950s and 60s. Spillett enriched the performance with a series of engaging and insightful anecdotes, bringing historical contexttothemusicanddeepeningtheaudience’sconnectiontoit.Theresultwasan atmosphere that felt both educational and electric, with frequent laughter and enthusiasticapplausethroughouttheevening.
Spillett’s tenor playing was, as expected, commanding rich in tone, expressive in phrasing, and propelled by an infectious rhythmic drive His solos were not only technically impressive but also highly narrative, capturing the spirit of Hayes while maintainingadistinctivepersonalvoice.
Nightingale and Hogg added further brilliance to the Big Band, contributing virtuosity and stylistic flair. For the Purcell students, the opportunity to perform alongside such accomplished musicians was invaluable, offering a rare and inspiring glimpse into professional-level artistry. It is precisely this kind of experience that underscores the department’sreputationasavitaltraininggroundforemergingtalent
Overall, the concert succeeded not only as a tribute to two jazz greats but also as a celebrationoftheenduringvitalityoftheBritishjazztradition.Balancingheritagewith youthful energy, it left a strong impression that this music remains in very capable hands.
THOMAS KELLY
REACHES FINAL OF INTERNATIONAL FRANZ LISZT PIANO COMPETITION
Weareincrediblyproudtosharethatpianistand PurcellalumnusThomasKellyreachedthefinalof the 2026 International Franz Liszt Piano CompetitioninUtrecht–oneoftheworld’smost prestigious piano events and widely regarded among the top international competitions for youngpianists.
Thecompetition’sfinalroundtookplaceon24
January 2026, when Thomas was one of three finalists to perform with the NetherlandsRadioPhilharmonicOrchestraattheGroszeZaalofTivoliVredenburgin Utrecht.
Thomaswasawardedsecondprizeinthishighlycompetitivefield,withthefirstprize goingtoAlexanderKashpurinandwithKangTaeKimtakingthird.
The competition has a distinguished history, with past winners including Purcell’s own Alexander Ullman and Vitaly Pisarenko, both of whom are members of the School’sKeyboardfaculty.Thomas’successplaceshimfirmlyamonganexceptional cohortofemerginginternationalpianists.
It is always a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of our graduates as they maketheirmarkintheprofessionalmusic world. Evie Rogers has joined the Second Violin section of the BBC Philharmonic, continuing her remarkable musical journey.
We are delighted to share that PurcellalumnaYuliyaOstapchuk hasbeenappointedtotheViolin 1 section of the UAE National Orchestra. We warmly congratulate Yuliya on this impressive achievement as she continuesherorchestralcareer.
Meanwhile,OlwenMileshasbeenawarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigiousEmilyAndersonViolinPrize, recognising her outstanding talent and promise as a violinist. We are proud to see ourgraduatesmakingsuchinspiringcontributionstotheclassicalmusicscene.
ALUMNUS PHILIP DUTTON PREMIERES NEW WORK WITH BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Purcell alumnus Philip Dutton’s new orchestral work, There, where I call home, has been commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and received its world premiere in February.
The piece was performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted byRyanWigglesworth,withthepremiere
takingplaceon19FebruaryatGlasgowCityHalls,broadcastliveonBBCRadio3.A secondperformancefollowedon20FebruaryatPerthConcertHall.
Philiphasspokenwarmlyofthesupportandencouragementhereceivedduringhis time at Purcell, and we are proud to see his work reaching such a significant milestoneonthenationalstage.
ALUMNA CATRIN FINCH LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM
We are thrilled to announce that Purcell alumna and internationally renowned harpistCatrinFinchislaunchinganewalbumentitled Notes to Self.Thealbumisa deeply personal project, reflecting on Catrin’s musical journey and experiences acrossherremarkablecareer.
ThenewsfollowsCatrin’srecentvisittotheSchool,wheresheledaninspiringharp
masterclass with our students, generously sharingherinsight,artistryandexperiencewith thenextgenerationofmusicians.
Catrin celebrated the launch of Notes to Self with a world premiere concert in Cardigan on 27 February, followed by performances and tour dates across the UK. Notes to Self has already begun to receive positive attention for itsheartfeltmelodiesandintrospectivemusical journey.
PURCELL ALUMNI REUNITE ON INTERNATIONAL TOUR
AnumberofPurcellalumnirecentlyreunitedwhileontouracrossGermanyandAustria withtheLondonPhilharm i O h di i d tocurrentstudents.
The group includes Helen Simons (Class of 1992, bassoon), Kate Birchall (Class of 1991, violin), Harry Kerr (Class of 1994, violin), Sioni Williams(Classof1992,violin), Thomas Watmough (Class of 1989, clarinet), Hannah Grayson (Class of 2006, flute) and Paula Clifton-Everest (Classof1993,violin).
During the tour, the alumni reflected fondly on their time at the School and shared a messageforcurrentstudents:“That despite a tumultuous and uncertain world out there, to keep practising, keep focused, and persevere in your art, because the proof-of-work you put in to your skill now will reap great rewards in times yet to pass The work that you do now echoes into the future and, in an increasingly digital world, your live-performance ability will become a very valuable asset. So keep practising, stay cheerful and don’t let your phone distract you”.
Itwaswonderfultoseethisgroupreconnectingandsharingtheirencouragementfrom theinternationalstage.
We were so pleased to hear from BingBing Li (alumna, piano) with news of several recentinternationalachievements.
BingBing has recently completed a three-week concert and masterclass tour across leading conservatoires in South East Asia, including performances and teaching engagements in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. Alongside this, a live recordingofherperformanceshasbeenreleasedonvinylbytheChinaRecordlabel.The album,FireandSoul,hasreceivedhighacclaim.
BingBingiscurrentlyanAssociateoftheRoyalAcademyofMusicandProfessorofPiano attheRoyalNorthernCollegeofMusic.Wearealwaysdelightedtohearfromalumniand tocelebratetheircontinuedsuccess.
SENIOR CONCERTO COMPETITION
TheannualSeniorConcertoCompetitionGrandFinaltookplaceonSunday22March, featuringsixexceptionalfinalists,eachperformingafullconcerto.Asever,theevening was a remarkable showcase of highly accomplished musicianship and technical brilliance.
Theadjudicatorsfacedthenear-impossibletaskofselectingthewinners,asentiment reflectedintheirclosingremarks.Theprogrammewasimpressivelywide-ranging,both ininstrumentationandrepertoire,andincludedworksbyAlexanderVoormolen,Sergey Prokofiev,PyotrIlyichTchaikovsky,NinoRota,DmitriShostakovich,andYorkBowen.
Performances included Voormolen’s Concerto for Two Oboes and Orchestra (Natalie and Emily), Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor (Pijus), Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (Shlomi), Rota’s Divertimento Concertante for Double Bass and Orchestra (Prince), Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op. 107 (Yoko), and Bowen’s Concerto for Horn and Strings, Op. 150 (Trevor).
WarmestcongratulationsgotoShlomiandYoko,thisyear’swinners.Theywillperform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto andShostakovich’s First Cello Concerto respectivelywith the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra during the 2026–27 season. Further details aboutperformancedateswillbeannouncedontheschoolwebsiteinduecourse.
All the performers are to be commended for their dedication, artistry, and mastery. Over the course of the four-hour concert, the audience was thoroughly captivated by everyperformance.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the adjudicators, Tunde Jegede and George Vass, for their insight and support. Special thanks are also due to Debbie and Daniel, whose outstanding accompaniment supported the students throughout all rounds amounting to about 40 concertos mastered over the course of the competition.
DANIEL
FARDON APPOINTED HEAD OF COMPOSITION AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
InJanuaryweweredelightedtoannouncethatDrDanielFardonhasbeenappointed Head of Composition and Contemporary Music at The Purcell School, with effect fromSeptember2026.DanielwillsucceedAlisonCox,whoretiresattheendofthe 2025-26academicyearafternearlyfourdecadesofexceptionalservicetotheSchool.
Currently a teacher of composition at The Purcell School, Daniel Fardon is an internationally respected British composer, educator and arts leader with an illustrious and award-winning career. His appointment represents an exciting and natural progression, combining continuity within the department with a distinctive andambitiousartisticvision.
Daniel’smusichasbeenrecognisedwithbothanIvorNovelloAwardandtheRoyal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize, featured on BBC Radio 3 and commissioned by leading ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the Carducci Quartet. In 2025, the LondonSymphonyOrchestrareleasedhisorchestralwork Flux.Hismusichasbeen performed at world-class venues such as Wigmore Hall and at major festivals includingCheltenham.
Alongside his compositional career, Daniel is deeply committed to education. Prior to joining The Purcell School, he lectured in composition at the University of Birmingham and holds aPhDinComposition.HeisalsoArtistic DirectorofHackneyMusicLive,acharity dedicated to presenting world-class musicians in East London, and regularly works as a mentor, adjudicator and creative lead on national initiatives, includingYoungSoundsUK.
Paul Bambrough, Principal of The Purcell School, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have appointed Dr Fardon as our new Head of Composition and Contemporary Music. During a very rigorous and demanding interview, he presented an exciting and dynamic vision for the future of creativity within the school and his commitment to interdisciplinary work was particularly inspiring. As an existing member of staff, Daniel is widely respected by both colleagues and students who I know will be delighted by this news.
The interview panel was unanimous in its view, that under Daniel‘s leadership, The Purcell School will continue to be the leading institution for the training of young composers for many years to come.”
PURCELL BRASS EXPERIENCE
On Sunday 1st February, we were excited to launch the Purcell Brass Experience! This vibrant new programme, created to support, encourage and develop young brass players from across the UK, saw around 30 musicians come and work with our outstanding brass faculty of Tony Cross, Tim Ellis, Ruth Molins, Mike Poyser and our Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion, Mike Cavanagh. The afternoon consisted of full ensemble playing, sectionals and masterclasses,beforeaninformalendof-dayconcertinourownCPHall.
PLANNED NEW SIXTH FORM COURSE: RSL DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MUSIC INDUSTRIES
WeareproudtointroducetheRSLLevel3DiplomainCreativeMusicIndustriesasa newSixthFormpathwayfromSeptember2026,subjecttodemand.
Designed for students aged 16–19, this two-year, vocational qualification offers a practical,industry-focusedalternativetotraditionalacademicroutes.Studentswould specialise in one of four pathways: Pop Performance, Classical Performance, CompositionorMusicProduction,developingadvancedmusicalskillsalongsidearealworldunderstandingoftoday’screativeindustries
Assessment is entirely coursework based, with students building a portfolio through performances, compositions, recordings and industry-style projects. The Diploma includes both subsidiary options (which can be studied alongside A Levels) and an extendeddiplomaequivalentinsizetothreeALevels.
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG MUSICIANS ACADEMY
SUMMER COURSE AT THE PURCELL SCHOOL
We are excited to host the International Young Musicians Academy (IYMA) Summer Music Course from 13–17 July 2026, welcoming talented young musicians for an intensiveweekofchambermusicandperformance.
Led by an outstanding international faculty, the course will feature coaching from distinguished artists including Jeremy Young, Kathryn Stott, Nicola Eimer and Richard Uttley (piano), Hannah Roberts, Jospehine Knight and Leandro Silvera (cello),andAlexRedington,NathanielValloisandZhiJongWang(violin)
Participants will take part in chamber music rehearsals, masterclasses and performances, working closely with leading performers and teachers from major conservatoiresandmusicinstitutions.Theprogrammeoffersauniqueopportunityfor young musicians to develop their artistry in the inspiring musical environment of The PurcellSchool.
ApplicationsaremanagedbytheInternationalYoungMusiciansAcademy. -Forfurtherdetailsandtoapply,pleasevisittheIYMAwebsite.
PURCELL RECEIVES GOLD
AWARD FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
ThePurcellSchoolhasbeenawarded the Boarding School Mental Health Award at Gold level for 2025–28, recognising excellence in mental healthandwellbeingprovisionwithin ourboardingcommunity.
AccreditedbytheCarnegieCentreofExcellenceforMentalHealthinSchools, the award follows a comprehensive assessment of the School’s leadership, culture, student support, staff wellbeing and engagement with parents and external services. Achieving Gold status reflects a whole-school commitment to creating an environment in which young musicians feel supported, valued and abletothrive.
The assessment particularly commended Purcell’s forward-thinking approach to mental health in a specialist, high-performance musical setting. Inspectors highlighted the School’s inclusive culture, the strength of professional developmentforstaffandtheembeddedsupportstructuresinplaceforpupils.
Describing Purcell as “an example of best practice for specialist provision” , the report recognised the School as a role model for mental health support in boardingeducation.
This Gold Award reinforces our ongoing commitment to nurturing confident, healthyandresilientyoungmusicians,alongsidethehigheststandardsofmusical andacademicexcellence.
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH LANGLEY HALL ARTS ACADEMY
We are delighted to announce a new partnership between The Purcell School and LangleyHallArtsAcademy.
Through the partnership, we will work closely with Langley Hall Arts Academy to support and develop its musical activity through workshops, concerts and orchestral experiences, offering students aspirational insight into advanced musical study and professional pathways. The collaboration provides rich opportunities for the young musicians to engage in shared projects and educational partnerships beyond the specialistschoolenvironment.
The partnership has been shaped around a shared vision: to strengthen musical learning through collaboration, connection and opportunity. By creating meaningful pointsofexchangebetweenstudentsandstaff,thealliancesupportsartisticgrowthat everystagewhilecontributingpositivelytothefutureofmusiceducationandthewider culturallandscape.
Paul Bambrough, Principal of The Purcell School, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Langley Hall Arts Academy, an institution that clearly shares our values and our belief in the power of music to shape lives. This collaboration is about inspiration, opportunity and excellence - bringing young musicians together, broadening horizons, and strengthening the musical ecosystem as a whole We look forward to working closely with Langley Hall Arts Academy to support their students while offering our own students meaningful and enriching collaborative experiences.”
Claudio Di Meo, Principal of Langley Hall Arts Academy, added: “This partnership with The Purcell School feels both deeply natural and genuinely exciting. We share a belief that music is not simply something young people do, but something that helps shape who they become. By working together, we are creating pathways of aspiration, excellence and generosity – where talent is nurtured, horizons are widened, and students learn not only to strive, but to listen, collaborate and lead. I am enormously optimistic about what our students and staff will create together in the years ahead. ”
Music has the power to transform lives, but for many gifted young musicians, the opportunity to pursue their talentisonlypossiblewithsupportfrompeoplelikeyou.
Fromaslittleasjust£5permonth,youcangiveaccessto aworld-classmusicaleducationtothenextgenerationof musicians and provide support to our extraordinary young people in their pursuit to fulfill their talent. In return, members receive exclusive benefits such as 50% offLondonconcertticketsandexclusiveperformances.
Scan here to begin your journey as a Friend of The Purcell School and receive 50% off London concert tickets
Irrespective of the amount, your regular donation will makeaninstrumentaldifferencetothefutureofthearts.
Wehaveanumberofgivinglevelsavailable-pleasevisit ourwebsiteviatheQRcodetofindthemostsuitablefor you.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY... (external concerts)
APRIL
WIGMORE HALL
BRITISH BRASS CHAMBER MUSIC DAY
11.30AM 36 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON W1U 2BP
APRIL
STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH CONCERT
3.00PM 2 AND 4 HOMERTON HIGH ST, HACKNEY, LONDON E9 6JQ
HACKNEY MUSIC LIVE
THE PURCELL SCHOOL PIANISTS AT SUTTON HOUSE MAY
1.00PM
MAY 3.00PM
AFTERNOON CONCERT AT BENSLOW MUSIC
PURCELL STUDENTS PERFORM AT BENSLOW MUSIC TRUST
MAY 1.00PM
MAY
ST JAMES’S CHURCH
LUNCHTIME PIANO CONCERT
ST JAMES’S CHURCH, SUSSEX GARDENS, HYDE PARK, LONDON
CASTLE VILLAGE
AFTERNOON CONCERT
3:30 - 4:30PM BRITWELL DRIVE, BERKHAMSTED, HERTFORDSHIRE, HP4 2GS
ST JAMES’S CHURCH
JUNE 1.00PM
JUNE
1.15-1.55PM
LUNCHTIME PIANO CONCERT
ST JAMES’S CHURCH, SUSSEX GARDENS, HYDE PARK, LONDON
ST BRIDE’S CHURCH LUNCHTIME CONCERT
ST BRIDE’S CHURCH, FLEET STREET, LONDON, EC4Y 8AU
JUNE
7.30-10PM
JUNE
1.00-2.00PM
JUNE
12.00-1.00PM
JULY
7.30PM
JULY
7.30PM
JULY
7.30PM
JAZZ DEPARTMENT CONCERT AT PIZZA EXPRESS WITH SPECIAL GUEST CLAIRE MARTIN
THE PHEASANTRY, 152 KING’S RD, LONDON SW3 4NX
ST JAMES’S PICCADILLY
ST JAMES’S PICCADILLY, 197 PICCADILLY, LONDON W1J 9LL
LUNCHTIME CONCERT AT PROMS AT ST JUDE’S SOLOISTS FROM THE PURCELL SCHOOL
ST JUDE ON THE HILL, GARDEN SUBURB
MILTON COURT
ANNA AVRAMIDOU PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY WITH THE PURCELL SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
MILTON COURT, 1 MILTON STREET, LONDON
LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS AT ST. JUDE’S THE PURCELL SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
ST JUDE ON THE HILL, GARDEN SUBURB
POP AND COMMERCIAL CONCERT AT PIZZA EXPRESS WITH SPECIAL GUEST TONY MOMRELLE
PIZZA EXPRESS, 99 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON WC1V 6LF
