News

The School was invited to contribute to a special award ceremony on Saturday night as part of Hertsmere council’s annual Civic Dinner and 40th anniversary celebrations. Hosted by the serving mayor, Councillor Paul Morris OBE, the event was an opportunity to reward local volunteers and showcase local talent, and was attended by local councillors, dignitaries…

On BBC Radio 3… Year 13 pupil, Lucinda Rimmer’s composition ‘Feluca’ will be broadcast on 8 March on BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast Show as part of International Women’s Day.  Lucinda won the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition a couple of years ago, and her prize was a BBC Radio 3 commission. BBC Radio 3 will…

Great fun last night with this term’s school play, ‘Totally Over You’, complete with original music. A tour de force for the whole cast, and a great way to (nearly) end the term. (Photo: Mr J Harding)

Some of our pianists departing this morning for Sacile, Italy … … and rehearsing this afternoon in Fazioli’s wonderful Concert Hall, watched carefully by Mr Fong. Go easy on the pasta, guys!

We were delighted to welcome two distinguished guests in to work with our oboists last week. On Tuesday 21st, performance skills specialist, Karen O’Connor (pictured left) gave a group class and also worked with pupils individually.  Karen was Principal Oboe of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) for over 25 years.  Whilst carrying out…

Many congratulations to the following pupils, who have received offers from Oxford for next year: – Lucy Biddle, to read Physics at Merton– Victoria Gill, to read Music at Christ Church– Harriet French, to read Music at New College– Sophia Hall, to read Music at Jesus CollegeAll four pupils hold Government Music and Dance Scheme Scholarships at The…

Cameron McDonnell, Lower Sixth (first-study horn) has been selected for participation in the London Symphony Orchestra Brass Academy. ​Joachim Lim won a Gold Medal at the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented, International Young Gifted Musicians Festival ”Passion of Music 2016”.  He is invited to play on 17th April 2016 at Carnegie Hall, New York.  Lily Payne won the Woodwind age…

We asked conductor Karina Canellakis a few questions in the lead up to her London debut with us on Monday 29 February at the Royal Festival Hall.  Check out her answers here. Karina is Assistant at the Dallas Symphony, and is making the headlines a lot – recently stepping in for Yuri Temirkanov in Copenhagen at short notice….

In the lead up to our Royal Festival Hall concert on Monday, piano soloist, Alim Beisembayev was interviewed by Sean Rafferty, alongside Head of Keyboard, William Fong on Wednesday’s BBC Radio 3 drive time programme In Tune.  Alim played Rachmaninov‘s Prelude Op. 32, No. 5 and Debussy‘s Prelude, Feux d’artifice.  You can listen again here (exactly an…

Year 7 pupil, Eliza, illustrating various points dressed as a double bass… This week’s whole school assembly caused a bit of a buzz. Presented by The Purcell School’s Physiotherapist, Sarah Upjohn and accompanied by the inimitable Dr Muso-Hathway and his walking bass…. the focus was on avoiding playing related Injury.  With Dr Muso resplendent in…