News

Karim Said demonstrates how to prepare a piano in the style of John Cage – to the evident concern of our eminent Head of Keyboard.

A lovely Spring day gave me the chance to enjoy the magnolia planted to commemorate one of our Founders, Rosemary Rapaport. With school exams now looming, this should cheer everyone up.

Purcell pupil, Matthew Higham (Y10), has won the Laura Marco Prize for 2012.  This prize has been awarded annually, since January 1984 in connection with the ABRSM examinations in music in the preceding year, and is offered to the candidate gaining the highest marks, not less than 135 or at the Board’s discretion, in Grade 8…

A few days ago, I passed the dining hall and heard the wonderful sounds of Mr Longstaff leading some singers through a mass by the 15th century Flemish composer Johannes Ockeghem. Not sure this was something I expected to hear at The Purcell School, but it was very welcome.

The first in a series of external speakers was welcomed by our Sixth Form students today.  MP for Hertsmere, James Clappison, gave an informative talk about his role as a Member of Parliament, after which our pupils had a chance to put their questions to him.

Congratulations to Francesca Biescas Rue (Year 7), who has won the British Flute Society School Performer Competition 2013 for Grades 5-8. In the Grade 8+ Class, Matthew Higham (Year 10) was awarded a Performers’ Medal.  Both Francesca and Matthew are taught at The Purcell School  by Anna Pope.The competition was held on Wednesday 20th February at Regent…

Today was the most important event of the year – or so I gathered from some of the boys, anyway. After several years of defeats at the hands of arch-rivals (and musical friends) at YMS, it was our turn to win the annual football match – and win we did, by the emphatic score of…

Today I went to hear the Sinfonia, our Middle School Orchestra, rehearsing under their conductor Edward Longstaff. They were playing Haydn with real gusto and a wonderful level of detail – especially for only the second week of term. I look forward to their performance later this term.

As the sun sets on the field, and on another school year, students enjoy the Rodeo Bull and the Bouncy Castle. Enjoy the summer holiday, everyone!

Students from Juniors to Upper Sixth decided to enjoy the sunshine at lunchtime today with a game of frisbee. This contrasted nicely with last night’s wonderful concert at the Purcell Room, showing that even talented musicians need to relax.