CrescendoThe Official Magazine of The Purcell School for Young Musicians DECEMBER 2020

WELCOME TO THE END OF THE LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN: ART STUDIO TERM ISSUE OF CRESCENDO WITH PAUL BAMBROUGH HIGHLIGHTS

As the Autumn Term comes to A catch up with Purcell’s Feauturing a range of a close we look back on some Principal to reflect on the artworks from students of the recent highlights unprecedented last 9 months across the School WELCOME TO THE END OF TERM EDITION OF CRESCENDO As 2020 comes to a close, we look back on some of the highlights from the second half of term ... STUDENT NEWS Year 9 Adrian took her debut album, an all-Chopin part and triumphed in three disc, through Champs Hill This autumn, Year 10 virtual music festivals this Records (available on Amazon, Composer Maddy received term. He received First Place in Spotify and Apple Music). both an AYM Award (Awards the ‘Sonata Movement under for Young Musicians) and a 19yrs’ and the ‘Bach under Classical soul pianist and Future Talent Award, which will 17yrs’ categories at the Woking alumnus Alexis Ffrench allow her to create new pieces Festival. He was also awarded has released a brand-new and perform them, all being First Place in the ‘Baroque festive EP just in time for the well, in early 2021. Maddy (Open)’ category, and secured holiday season (available on also won a BBC 30 Second Second Place in the ‘Classical Amazon, Spotify and Apple Composition Challenge for a Sonata Movement (Open)’ at Music). Home features solo piece on the pedal harp called the Maidstone Festival. Lastly, recordings of seasonal Rainbow Over Mountain, which he prevailed in the Sutton favourites ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Feliz was performed by the BBC Festival taking First Place in Navidad’, and ‘Happy Xmas Symphony Orchestra’s harpist ‘Classical Period 15yrs and (War Is Over)’, as well as two Louise Martin. under’. original pieces entitled ‘A Time for Giving’ and ‘Simple Gifts’. Guitarists Maddie (Year 11) ALUMNI NEWS and Ashton (Year 10) became Welsh harpist, arranger, recipients of Alhambra Two former Purcellians Paul composer and Purcell alumna International Scholarships Andrew Philbert (timpanist) Catrin Finch performed 2020-21 this term. The and (oboist a stunning rendition of programme requires the and conductor) were both ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little highest certified playing recognised for their services Christmas’ as part of a virtual level of applicants outside of to music and awarded an MBE concert for WaterAid UK’s further education (university and OBE, respectively, in the Future on Tap appeal. or conservatoire), and Maddie Queen’s Birthday Honours List. and Ashton represent 2 of STAFF NEWS the 10 scholarships available Multi-instrumentalist and worldwide. alumnus Jacob Collier Composer and Purcell teacher received three nominations, Daniel Fardon won an Ivor Year 13 cellist Yena won a Gold including ‘Album of the Year’ Novello Composer Award Award at the 3rd New Talent for Djesse Vol. 3, in the 63rd 2020 in the Small Chamber British International Youth GRAMMY Awards. Category for ‘Six Movements’ Music Competition. for String Quartet. The Recent Purcell leaver Sofiia piece, commissioned by the Year 13 oboist Chelsea and Matviienko won a Gold Award Royal Philharmonic Society, Year 10 oboist Rhea reached at the 3rd New Talent British premiered at the Wigmore Hall the Finals of their respective International Youth Music last year and was performed by age categories in this year’s Competition. the Bloomsbury Quartet. Sound Espressivo Global Competition. Purcell alumna and BBC Young Musician Lara Melda released THE LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN: IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL BAMBROUGH As the term came to a close, Crescendo caught up with Purcell’s Principal Paul Bambrough to reflect upon the extraordinary and unprecedented last 9 months Despite the inevitable challenges of life and education in a COVID world, are there any aspects of the last 9 months which you will take forward into the School’s future?

Yes, definitely, and there were into the School which we didn’t and purposes, are Purcell a number of things that we have to the same extent before, students for this academic had already planned to do and one that we will continue year but who we are not which became escalated as to grow even when our usual meeting face-to-face. I think a result of the first lockdown. concert work resumes. there is an opportunity here We had always intended, for for us to develop other online example, to progressively Circumstance forced us short courses, and to initiate move into the Google Suite to adopt a new remote new virtual relationships with and begin using the Google programme for running different groups of people Educational packages – this parent consultations. We have and artistic partnerships with would have taken place over had three so far, all of which international institutions. a number of years, however, have had significantly higher Because we have been instead of just a fortnight! – parental engagement than any forced to develop an online and, although still very new, of our previous consultations. infrastructure, learn new skills staff are already seeing the This, of course, is due to the and widen our knowledge, it benefits of Google Classroom, large number of Purcell parents has given us the confidence to particularly of having a central who live abroad or at a great try something new and a little repository for materials which distance from the school. less shy of experimenting – the students can access with ease. The success of the remote possibilities for Purcell are very The introduction of a virtual programme has, however, exciting! learning environment for the opened up the possibility of whole school has been a real our offering a mixed mode for The period has undeniably positive. future parental consultations brought out some of the – face-to-face (in person) best of The Purcell School, The other huge benefit has consultations for those who particularly in terms of how the been the growth of our can get to School, and face-to- community have supported online presence. When we face (virtual) conversations for each other, adapted to the hit lockdown, I glibly said those who are unable to travel. restrictive measures and that we were going to need continued to innovate. We some kind of online concert We have seen a great many have also been incredibly hall to continue to showcase virtual and infrastructural privileged to have had live our work. Purcell Online was developments in the past music in School every day. born out of that need, and has 9 months, and it will be When this has been denied to developed in ways we could particularly exciting to see most people, in most places, only have hoped for thanks what these will enable us it is something for which I will to the explosion of content to do in the future. We have always be grateful. received from students and the recently, for example, launched hard work of our staff. The Purcell School Online Composition Academy, which Purcell Online has also means that there is a group provided an increasing window of students who, to all intents The School has changed quite a lot as a result of the pandemic. Do you have a favourite improvement?

I think what is important is instrumental provision online. that we have gained. We must, not so much how the School I believe that we have been the however, always remember has changed but how it has only specialist music school that there are things that not changed. Throughout to do face-to-face (in person) we have lost. I cannot claim lockdown and this term of instrumental teaching this that this has been a period restrictions, we have remained term. The fact that this has without casualties but we have true to our core value of been achieved so successfully, retained the essence of who we providing high quality musical despite the restrictive are during a time when it could experiences for our talented measures and second have been all too easy to lose youngsters by enabling access lockdown, is something I want sight of that. to instrumental provision. At to really celebrate. In some the height of lockdown, we ways, I am more proud of the were delivering nearly 400 things that we haven’t but hours a week of one-to-one could have lost, than the things

What was your most memorable moment from the first lockdown?

The thing which sticks most just started to put something way to feel connected with in my mind, and there are out each day with a piece of the school community, during three things in total, is having music attached?”, and “I’ll a time when we were all to make the hugely painful maybe do it for a week and disparately connected to our and difficult decision to shut then I’ll hand it over to you and laptops. My only regret is that the School on 17th March. other members of staff for a it didn’t occur to me sooner to This was slightly in advance week”. But, of course, it didn’t call it Lockdown Listening! of the national lockdown but end up being that. From the was something which I felt, feedback I received, it grew The third significant memory with absolute certainty, was into an incredibly appreciated was the task and the sense inevitable. It was a moment and unifying call to alms. I of responsibility of coming when I really felt the whole loved the idea that at some up with a plan to enable the responsibility of the School point during the course of the School to reopen and function resting on my shoulders. day, everybody in the school whilst keeping people safe. The decision turned out to community might virtually There was a lot of guidance be universally welcomed – it come together to share the from the government but allowed many students to get experience of listening to that ultimately that plan had back to their home countries day’s piece. It was wonderful to come out of my head. I and potentially stopped people to hear what students and remember very clearly coming within the school community staff thought of my selections. back to school and watching from falling ill – but at the time Students told me that they sat some very happy boys playing it was hugely controversial. down with their families each basketball on the court, and day to listen to Daily Listening thinking whether they stay well The second most memorable together, some members of or become ill is down to me. thing about lockdown, more staff reminisced about having Of course, that’s not actually positively, was Daily Listening. played particular scores I had true. It’s down to everybody It was a kind of mad, random chosen with the Philharmonia, but that’s how it felt. The fact idea which occurred to me very and others remembered that we have got to the end early on. I said to the Director having worked with the great of term with only one positive of Music “do you think that artists whose works I had COVID-19 test result amongst it would be a good idea if I picked. It was a really lovely the student body, and that I constantly think back to that and respond to the changing the few from members of moment of those boys playing picture. staff originated from external basketball and I remind myself sources, makes me feel hugely of that responsibility. That is proud of everybody’s efforts to why we cannot be complacent, keep each other safe and well. and must constantly adapt

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Ultimately, I am looking amusement, or in some watershed moment. Whether forward to the time when we concert scenario, to be able to they go to conservatoire or can all relax and just enjoy hear the orchestra play would university, the fact that they being in the school together be a real symbol that we are are able to do so speaks of without this cloud being over emerging from this period. the work that has been done the place. To the normality of That’s not to say that any of by their academic teachers, the usual comings and goings the other music making hasn’t their pastoral support and the of the school – to senior been amazing but that there musicians who have helped boarders being able to get off is something very symbolic shaped their musical path. It is site, and parents being able about a Symphony Orchestra the combined efforts of all of to come back into the school within an institution. So, those factors that will enable to hear their children play in however it occurs, I will be our Year 13s to stand on our concerts. delighted to hear that for the shoulders and take that very first time. important next step. There is I also cannot wait to hear the nothing that symbolises the School Symphony Orchestra I am also looking forward to collective effort of the school again. Whether that be to the moment when our Year more than the moving on of ourselves in the CP Hall, 13s are able to take their next a year group. It will be a real hacking through a Tchaikovsky step because, under these moment of celebration. symphony just for our own circumstances, that is a real ART STUDIO HIGHLIGHTS Purcell’s Art Technician Robin Williamson gave us an insight into the stunning artworks our students have been creating over the Autumn Term This term, Year 6 have been using the medium to create Year 11 are working on their painting self portraits in the studies from nature. own personal studies, with a style of Julian Opie, and range of directions including exploring textures and patterns In addition to developing drawing, digital drawing and through the printing of drawing skills such as close up painting. collograph(esque) fish plates. and sustained pencil drawings, Year 9 have been working with Year 12 started the term Year 7 have been studying zentangles. drawing still life objects in the style and process of artist charcoal, and made particular Eric Carle, best known for his Year 10 have spent the term progress with the study of classic picture book The Very making collograph prints skulls. They then went on to Hungry Caterpillar. Using of insects, and are currently copying lino prints of existing the same technique as Carle, working with etchings. They artists’ work before creating they have produced their praticised the technique by their own larger lino prints own animal illustrations and producing artist copies, and from the subject matter of their supporting stories to make have now progressed on to choice. They are now painting small books. creating their own still life with oil paints. self portraits. They are doing Year 8 have been focusing this by etching items which Year 13 are developing their on drawing skills, including they feel represent them as a own, self directed art projects. perspective drawing and person. The etchings will be These include painting, self portraits using charcoal. printed next term. photography, clay and pottery They are also learning about and stitching. watercolours and have been

Yu-Wei’s (Year 10) collagraph print Fiona’s (Year 11) digitally drawn portrait

Ireh’s (Year 7) pangolin in the style of The Very Hungry Caterpillar illustrator Eric Carle Saule’s (Year 6) Julian Opie inspired portrait Shiwen’s (Year 11) fineliner pen drawing

Eric’s (Year 12) study in charcoal Mina’s (Year 10) collagraph print

Dorian’s (Year 12) landscape scene using lino printmaking Pheobe’s (Year 9) zentangle drawing

Paulina’s (Year 9) flower study drawing Farrah’s (Year 8) landscape made from watercolours

Molly’s (Year 13) preparation sketches for her ceramics AUTUMN TERM CONCERT ROUND UP We have been incredibly fortunate that live music has remained an intrinsic part of school life this term, despite the necessary restrictions. Students and staff have performed a staggering 70 concerts this term. Of the 160 students in Year 9 and above, 130 have performed in at least one concert or performance class. It is an achievement that we are hugely proud of and grateful for.

1 Live at Lunchtime (Live streamed to Purcell’s YouTube with over 700 views) 48 Lunchtime Concerts by Students 53 (97 performances of works Lunchtime by 69 composers including Concerts Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, 4 Lunchtime Concerts by Staff Ravel, Liszt, Schubert , (Featuring Simon Allen, John Mozart, Brahms and more) Turville, Oli Hayhurst, Seb de Krom, Richard Jenkinson, Joy Farrall, Graham Hobbs & Stephen Williams)

1 Large Ensemble Concert 5 Performance Platforms (Filmed as part of the (2 Senior, 2 Middle, 1 Lower School) Hatfield House Festival)

1 Concert 17 Evening 4 Senior School Concerto Competition Concerts Finalist Performances

1 Baroque Concert

2 Concerts led by Staff (Featuring Debbie Shah, Charles Sewart & Joy Farrall)

3 Student-led Concerts (2 Composers Concerts & ‘Roots’ for Black History Month)

Many of our concerts are available to watch via Purcell Online: