News

Amazing show last night, with a host of original compositions and arrangements combined with film, dance and theatre. Many Purcellians demonstrated their talents, not always expected (at least to me!), as in the photo below.

Mica Levi with her European Film Award for Best Composer Purcell alumna Mica Levi‘s score for Under The Skin was one of five soundtracks nominated at the BAFTAs last night for Best Original Music; the talented composer also recently won the European Film Award for Best Composer.Levi, 27, was working on a third album with her band, Michachu…

Year 10 pupil, Lauren Marshall, has been accepted as a 2014/15 National Youth Orchestra Composer.  Anna Disley-Simpson, who finished her studies at Purcell in July 2014 has also been accepted. Being an NYO Composer is a fantastic opportunity; the composers play a full role in all Rehearsal Residencies, writing new music and hearing their ideas…

It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours since Martin won BBCYM – my In-box has not stopped pinging with emails of congratulation for Martin and for the school. Here is a (very unofficial) picture taken on stage immediately after his performance, with fellow finalists Elliott and Sophie. (Photo: Mr. J. Harding)

Photo: Alan Peebles/BBC Purcell School pupil, Martin James Bartlett (aged 17) has won this year’s BBC Young Musician. Following in the footsteps of fellow Purcellian Lara Melda, who won in 2010, Martin took the coveted title with a concerto performance of breathtaking quality and virtuosity. Martin beat over 450 hopeful young musicians, winning the keyboard…

The Purcell School is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Yeo to succeed David Thomas as Headmaster.  This follows an extensive search led by consultants who specialise in the educational field.  The Governors have selected Mr Yeo from a strong field, and are confident that his wide experience in schools combined with his musicianship,…

Chamber Choir’s first concert of the year took place at St Mary’s, Watford yesterday. A varied programme of Allegri, Villette and Brahms allowed to choir to demonstrate some very different colours and moods, and Emily’s top Cs thrilled the large audience. Here we are rehearsing before the concert. (Photo: Jane Hunt)

Delightful concert last night at the Conway Hall where the school began and where, 50 years ago, it gave its first public concert. This one was to raise funds for our Sri Lanka trip – well done to everyone taking part, but especially to Sophia for her enthusiastic organisation.

GCSE and A-level exams have started – here are the Upper Sixth sitting their Harmony paper. Good luck to all  this year’s candidates.

Our Chef Manager Steve demonstrates his skill and imagination yet again, preparing Chocolate and Chilli desserts in the form of daffodils in pots for a Heads’ meeting. They tasted as good as they look!