Purcell School celebrates 50 years

World renowned music school, the Purcell School of Music, is to hold a celebration event- Holst The Planets, Beethoven Triple Concerto a new concertante work by Joseph Phibbs – at the Royal Festival Hall on 19 March 2012 at 7.30pm – to celebrate 50 years of excellence.

Directed by internationally acclaimed conductor, Paul Daniel, the concert will feature a lineup of famous alumni soloists from the Purcell School of Music including Robert Cohen cello, Nicholas Daniel oboe, Jack Liebeck violin, Catrin Finch harp, Tim Thorpe horn and Jianing Kong piano, accompanied by talented young musicians in the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra.

The school was founded in 1962 by Rosemary Rapaport and Irene Foster with the aim to become the first specialist music school of its kind. It has gone on to become just that; nurturing young musicians in an environment where they can develop their musical, academic and social skills with like minded youngsters. They presently house 180 talented musicians in their Hertfordshire site which is both a boarding and day school and takes students on by audition, based on talent, regardless of background and experience.

The school remains predominantly funded by the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme with its own scholarship fund which ensures all pupils join the school on the strength of their musical potential irrespective of the parents’ ability to pay.

Patrons of the school include HRH The Prince of Wales and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa DBE as well as Jenny Agutter FRSA, Hon DLit as a governor. In 2003, the school was awarded the acclaimed UNESCO Mozart Gold medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and international culture.

Royal Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales comments, The Purcell School is an extraordinary institution with a very special place in my heart. Since I became the School’s Patron in 1985, I have followed its development with close interest and it is a great pleasure for me to see the School reach its fiftieth year. Founded in 1962, The Purcell School exists to provide young musicians of exceptional promise and talent with the best possible teaching, and an environment in which to fulfill their potential, irrespective of their background.

President of The Purcell School Sir Simon Rattle CBE comments, I am blown away by the commitment, skill and infectious energy of the remarkable young musicians at The Purcell School. The School is a vibrant place where creativity and discipline go hand in hand, providing specialist training for musicians of the future, alongside an excellent general education. It gives me great hope for the future of the music profession when I hear what these young people are capable of. I send my very best wishes to the School for its 50th Birthday!

Tickets for the concert are priced at £40, £20 and £ 10 (concessions 50% – limited availability) and are available by calling 0844 847 9910 or by visiting www.southbankcentre.co.uk. VIP packages are available by calling 01923 331131 or by emailing e.mcgrath@purcell-school.org.

 

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