Annual Report 2016 / 17 ROYAL PATRON HRH The Prince of Wales

PATRONS President: Sir Simon Rattle OM, CBE Baroness Warnock DBE Vladimir Ashkenazy Sir Andrew Davis CBE Mrs Donatella Flick Dame Kiri Te Kanawa DBE Evgeny Kissin Dame Fanny Waterman DBE

GOVERNORS Chairman: Sir Roger Jackling KCB, CBE Chairman of the Finance & General Purposes Committee: Charles Beer MA (Cantab) Chairman of the Education Committee: James Fowler MA (Oxon) Professor Timothy Blinko B Mus Hons (London), M Mus (Hons), Dip (RCM) Jonathan Eley MA (Oxon) Janice Graham ARCM, AGSMD, ACT (Juilliard) Professor Colin Lawson CBE, MA (Oxon), PhD, DMus, FRCM,FRNCM, FLCM Hon (RAM) William McDonnell BA (Oxon) Dr Rebecca Mooney DPhil (Oxon), MSt (Oxon), MA (Cantab) Ian Odgers MA (Cantab) Mark Racz BA, MFA Hon, FBC Hon (RAM) Joanna Van Heyningen OBE, MA (Oxon), MA (Cantab), DipArch (RIBA) Kirsty Von Malaisé MA

LEADERSHIP TEAM Interim Head: Dr Bernard Trafford MA (Oxon), MEd PhD (Birmingham), FRSA Deputy Head (Staff): James Harding MA Hons, PGCE Deputy Head (Students): Christine Rayfield BA Hons, PGCE Bursar: Aideen McNamara BA Hons

Listed as at July 2018 For a full list of teaching staff, please visit www.purcell-school.org Photography supplied courtesy of Innermedia. Chairman’s Statement One of the most pleasurable aspects of visiting The Purcell School is to experience the exceptional instrumental teaching which takes place on a daily basis. The dedicated instrumental teachers and Heads of the Music Departments are the backbone of the School, and the training which students receive here is nothing short of humbling.

This year has proved, once again, Performance remains central to the The Governors continue to see the to be an eventful and remarkable music programme at the School and financial challenges facing the School one for the School. As you will see over the year students took part in as a key area of risk. Constrained from the various features in this 192 concerts. Highlights included two funding levels caused by five years report, it has been a period of hard recitals at Wigmore Hall, performances of fee income freeze and current work, striking achievements and at Milton Court Concert Hall, and inflationary trends means that seeking exceptional musicians. orchestral concerts at the Watford additional income streams is essential. Colosseum and Cadogan Hall, Ongoing reviews of expenditure and There have been some significant under the batons of Robin O’Neill value for money exercises have taken changes, as in December 2017 Mr and Dominic Greer respectively. The place this year leading to savings in Stephen Yeo, Head since January School’s Contemporary Ensemble areas such as energy and expenditure 2016, resigned and le€ the School. On and Chamber Orchestra were on recruitment, which have helped to behalf of the Governors I would like also privileged to open the Deal o†set increased costs. Despite these to express great gratitude to Mr Yeo Festival of Music and the Arts with challenges we remain committed to for the contribution that he made to the outstanding French trumpeter, moving forward with capital projects the School. Dr Bernard Tra†ord joined Lucienne Renaudin-Vary. and are hoping to launch an appeal for the School in January 2018 as Interim our next project in autumn 2018. Head. Dr Tra†ord has a wealth of A successful Gala dinner was held experience, having most recently been at Goldsmith’s Hall in November The Board and I would like to thank Head for nine years of Newcastle Royal 2016. As well as raising over £54,000 and congratulate the students and Grammar School, and has provided to support our Bursary Fund, the sta† for all the work, energy and leadership and continuity whilst the evening provided an opportunity to passion that they put into creating and Governors and I recruit Mr Yeo’s showcase the achievements of the maintaining this extraordinary place of long-term successor. The arrival of School, thank current donors and achievement. a new Head and the now agreed benefactors and grow the School’s decision to appoint a Director of Music supporter base. It is a long-term aim provides the School with exciting of the Governors to raise su†icient opportunities for the future. The monies to fund all non-Music and School is committed to developing Dance Scheme remissions. However, the music programme to ensure as this amounts to just over £500,000 that we remain at the cutting edge of per year, it is recognised that further music education, and wish to create work is required to reach this goal. international partnerships which will Sir Roger Jackling KCB, CBE move us forward in a post-Brexit world. Chairman Academic Accomplishments The School remains committed to its educational philosophy of providing an inspiring all-round education with music at its heart. We know that the most creative musicianship is cultivated by a holistic cultural awareness and thus we aim to provide an excellent and engaging curriculum through all subjects that we oer.

Our 2016/2017 leavers achieved a guiding our students towards the is the programme of activities characteristically strong profile of next stage of their education: for designed to enrich what is learned entry to top conservatoires. Out of the majority of our students that in the classroom. In the 2016/2017 the total year-group of 42 students, next stage is a musical one, but we academic year this programme 36 went on directly to a conservatoire also serve exceptionally well those included visits to Virginia Woolf’s in the United Kingdom, and of who decide to take an alternative London and a production of these 20 received scholarships. 28 educational path on leaving The Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a visit students went to one of the four Purcell School. to Oxford, a school double-bill London conservatoires, with 27 out production of The Erpingham Camp There were some very promising of the 28 students going to the Royal by Joe Orton and The Real Inspector examination results from Purcell Academy of Music, the Royal College Hound by Tom Stoppard, visits to students across the board in summer of Music and Guildhall School of London museums in support of 2017, with excellence particularly Music and Drama and one student Science, visits to London museums evident at GCSE level, where a to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of in support of History and gallery visits promising element of ‘value added’ Music and Dance. Destinations to London in support of Art. was present. There were strong beyond London included the Royal results in GCSE and IGCSE Music, Art, In line with our educational Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal English, English Literature, French, philosophy, the curriculum itself Conservatoire of Scotland (Glasgow) German and Mathematics. In GCSE continues to develop, with the and the Royal Northern College Music, Year 10 Purcell students recently-adopted pre-U qualification of Music (Manchester). Of those achieved 100% A and A* grades, with in Music providing a new level of students going on to university, one 67% of students achieving the top rigour and inspiration for all our went on to read Music and German A* grade. In IGCSE English Literature, Sixth-Form students. In September at King’s College London, one to read Year 11 students achieved 71% A and 2017 a new subject was added to the Music at Durham University and one A* grades. sixth-form curriculum in the form of to read English at Oxford (starting in the Cambridge pre-U in Philosophy & 2018). The variety and strength of our Integral to our philosophy of Theology. leavers’ destinations demonstrate providing a creative hinterland to that we are consistently e†ective in our students’ musical education 1:4 78% 56% Teacher to Purcell leavers went to Purcell leavers awarded student ratio 4 London conservatoires music college scholarships 100% 71% Year 10 students Year 11 IGCSE English received A* or A Literature students in GCSE Music received A* or A 192 Performances in 2016/17 9,350 People attended a performance in 2016/17 Musical Excellence The School undertook its customary large number and wide range of standout musical performances in 2016/17.

We continued to build audiences for Philomel, directed by sixth-former our annual showcase events; two Noah Max, gave a concert at St. solo recital evenings at Wigmore George’s, Brandon Hill, Bristol, in an Hall, the Freddy Morgan Piano ambitious programme of Stravinsky Recitals at Milton Court Concert Concerto in D, Nielsen At the Bier of Hall, and orchestral concerts with a Young Artist, and Verdi (arr. Robert Purcell student concerto soloists at Max) String Quartet arranged for the Watford Colosseum, conducted String Orchestra. by Robin O’Neill, and at Cadogan We also welcomed over twenty Hall, conducted by Dominic Grier. celebrated visiting musicians this Further highlights of the year past year to give a wide range of included an all-Mozart concert masterclasses and workshops to given by the full-school choirs and the students. The School is very orchestra at the Royal Academy grateful to the many professional of Music, chamber ensemble musicians who have given time performances at Wigmore Hall and from their busy schedules to share at the Proms at St. Jude’s Festival, their knowledge and experience and the opening concert for Deal with our students and support Festival, where our orchestra their musical development. Visitors performed with outstanding included Adam Walker (flute), Chi Yu young French trumpeter, Lucienne Mo (clarinet), Robert Cohen (cello), Renaudin-Vary. Nikolai Demidenko (piano), Anne Denholm (harpist to The Prince of Two inspiring student-led events Wales), Phil Cobb (trumpet), and ‘I don’t think I would have took place: ‘Voices Beyond Division’ Patrick King (timpani). developed musically as much at St. James’, Piccadilly, the culmination of a project working as I have, had I not come to with three primary schools from this School. The tuition and di†erent faiths, for children in performance opportunities make Syria, organised by student Asha for an incredibly focused and Parkinson, who raised all funds musical environment.’ herself. Our student-led orchestra, Purcell Student

Chamber Music Chamber Music is a core part of the music programme at The Purcell School.

It is our strong belief that the Since September 2013 The Purcell disciplines of working together, School, thanks to generous funding listening, reacting and interacting from the Albert and Eugenie Frost are essential skills which all students Music Trust and the Radcli†e Trust, should acquire early in their musical has been able to introduce the lives. There is also no question that, Chamber Music Academy. Led by particularly for string players, the Charles Sewart (Head of Strings) 30 chamber music repertoire provides string players meet roughly once a a wealth of musical literature as month during the academic year to seen especially in the works of study and perform Chamber Music. the great masters, Haydn, Mozart, Each session is coached by Beethoven and Schubert. eminent musicians who teach, Each week between 30 and 40 perform, demonstrate and inspire ensembles meet, coached by the students. Visiting groups this members of the Instrumental year have included members of Teaching sta† and by Heads the Chilingirian, Endellion, Piatti, of Department, they also have Elias, Doric and Jubilee Quartets. a dedicated rehearsal time in Students also benefit from informal which they are expected to work recitals and demonstrations given independently and to develop by visiting artists which provide a their skills through exploration of valuable insight into performance at repertoire. the highest professional level. Groups o€en centre on the string A special feature of the Chamber quartet but also range from piano Music Academy is that students duos and wind quintets to larger from outside The Purcell School string groups, small choral groups are invited to take part, perform and percussion groups. Every and make friends with our own ‘I loved working with some ensemble has an opportunity to students. This has not only proved audition for our showcase chamber transformational for several young amazing coaches and exploring music concerts held each year at guests but has also provided the new repertoire I’ve never played The Wigmore Hall and St James’s opportunity for our own students to before – it’s a really wonderful Piccadilly. mentor and guide less experienced opportunity and so fun!’ musicians. Chamber Music Academy Student

Individual Highlights Our students enjoy frequent success in competitions locally, nationally and internationally, and 2016/17 was no exception. Alumni Honours Student Triumphs London Philharmonic Legacy Award in Memory National Youth Orchestra of Princess Diana Orchestra (NYO) Juliette Bausor was appointed Asha Parkinson was one of twenty Lauren Marshall was appointed Principal Flute. outstanding young people from Principal Composer to the NYO across the world to be bestowed and composed an original piece, Grammy Awards the inaugural Legacy Award in Suspended Between Earth and Air, Jacob Collier won two awards for memory of Diana, Princess of to open the NYO’s 2017 winter tour. Best Arrangement, Instrumental Wales. The award was presented in Lauren was also commissioned or A Cappella (for You and I) and recognition of Asha’s extraordinary to write a piece of music for the Best Arrangement, Instruments and project, ‘Voices Beyond Division’, Morgan Stanley garden at the RHS Vocal (for Flintstones) at the 59th which was conceived in response Chelsea Flower Show. Annual Grammy Awards. to the crisis in Syria. Royal Concertgebow Oscar and BAFTA BBC Proms Inspire Orchestra (RCO) Nominations Competition 2017 Violinist Olivia Ziani performed Mica Levi was shortlisted for both Composition students Chelsea in the ‘Side by Side’ project with awards for her soundtrack for the Becker and Juliana Niu won the the RCO as part of the RCO Meets film Jackie. Lower Junior Category (12-14 Europe Concert Tour. Years) with their pieces New York International Classical and A Short Fantasy, respectively. Music Award Yevgeny Sudbin received the 2016 British Flute Society award in the Concerto class for his Annual Flute recording of the Medtner Piano Competition Concerto No. 3 and the Scriabin Francesca Biescas Rue won the Piano Concerto. Under 18 Years award. Nestle and Salzburg London Philharmonic Young Conductors Award Orchestra Kerem Hasan won the Nestle and Flautist Daniel Swani joined as a Salzburg Young Conductors Award, junior artist. and was also a finalist in the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition. 24% MUSIC 14% BOARDING 25% ACADEMIC 13% EXPENDITURE ESTATES

12% OTHER 5% SCHOLARSHIP 7% 4% DEPRECIATION OTHER INCOME

5% INCOME FEES PAID BY SCHOOL BURSARIES

65%FEES PAID 6% BY MDS GRANTS & DONATIONS 20% FEES PAID BY PARENTS The above statistics are taken from ‘Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2017’, which is available in full at www.purcell-school.org Securing the Future for Young Musicians The sta of The Purcell School work hard to find more eicient ways to work and operate so that every penny we receive is used as eectively as possible.

Students at The Purcell School are Governors have continued privileged to receive funding from to set aside budget for minor the Music and Dance Scheme. capital works and during this There is however pressure on fees year significant roof and building as increases (1% in 2016/17) do repairs were undertaken, the music not keep pace with increasing technology suite was upgraded and operational costs. This places improvements made to the acoustics pressure on the School to carefully in the Dining Hall. In addition one of manage costs and ensure that the the Steinway Concert Grand pianos resources we have are used wisely. was extensively refurbished and five Each year this becomes more new upright pianos for teaching challenging and additional support rooms purchased. is essential in helping to deliver a It is also important for the School to world-class education. The School look to the future. To this end much remains hugely dependent on consideration has been given to the generous support of donors the long term needs of the School and benefactors. through development of a new Ongoing reviews of expenditure strategic plan. From this, work has and value for money exercises have been done to update the building taken place this year leading to masterplan and the School is savings in areas such as energy and expecting to announce its next expenditure on recruitment, which major capital project towards the have helped to o†set increased costs. end of 2018.

Fundraising and Development It has been a busy, productive year for the Fundraising and Development team. The main aim of the department remains to raise much needed funds for bursaries so that every young musician can attend The Purcell School based on their musical talent and not their ability to pay.

As the demand for places and The format of the evening is a the need for financial support drinks reception and three course continues to grow, raising funds for dinner interspersed with musical the School’s Bursary fund has never performances from our young been more crucial. musicians. Apart from showcasing the breadth of talent of many Although we receive funding from students, the aim of the evening is the Government’s Music and Dance to raise much needed funds Scheme this does not cover all the for bursaries. pupils who require financial support to study at Purcell. Each year the Thanks to the generosity of those School relies on the generosity of attending the dinners, as well as Trusts, Individual Benefactors and other supporters, the development Friends of the school, who all share team has been able to create a Gala our passion for developing musical Bursary. The support and generosity talent in young people. of guests at each dinner enables us to continue this bursary, which Since 2013, we have organised a is currently allocated to lower VI Purcell School Annual Fundraising form student and cellist, Sebastian Gala Dinner at a Livery Hall in the Kozub. City of London. Since its inception, over 600 guests have attended and The Purcell School Fundraising Gala raised over £250 000 to support Dinner is now a marked annual the School. fixture in the Purcell calendar and one that we hope we can continue to grow successfully in future years. Our Benefactors and Donors We would like to thank the generous benefactors and donors who have supported The Purcell School during the academic year 2015/16.

The Albert & Eugenie Frost Music Trust Anonymous The Andor Charitable Trust Mr & Mrs H Amar Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation Mrs J Arwas MBE The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust Mr & Mrs M Garner The Brian Mitchell Charitable Settlement Mr P Hardy The John S Cohen Foundation Mr R Jacobs Dunard Fund Miss B Jarman The Favourite Mr G Meyer Fazioli Pianoforti Mr D Morgan The Gosling Foundation Mr M Saunders The Helen Roll Charity Mr P Sawyer The Hobson Charity Mr G Smallbone MBE The Jacqueline and Michael Gee Mr J Smillie Charitable Trust Jaques Samuel Pianos The Friends of Clumber Studio The Lawton Trust Limited The Friends of The Purcell School The Leverhulme Trust The Estates of the late Sir Charles Guests, Suppliers and Benefactors of and Lady Mackerras The Purcell School annual Gala Dinner The Mills Williams Foundation PF Charitable Trust In addition we would like to thank our Royal Patron, HRH The Radcliffe Trust The Prince of Wales, and the patrons of The Purcell School The Robert Fleming Hannay for their ongoing support of the School and its young Memorial Trust musicians. The Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust The Stanley Picker Trust The Steel Charitable Trust The Estate of the late K Stubley The Taurus Foundation The Wall Trust

There are currently many challenges in raising funds to support young musicians and many ways in which you can get involved: Bursaries Corporate Support Online Fundraising A bursary could be to support a In order to ensure we are able A straightforward method to raise specific student, perhaps for the to direct the maximum amount money for The Purcell School duration of their time at the School, of money to the students who when doing your shopping online, or could be a contribution to the need our support, there are or even booking a holiday. general Bursary Fund. opportunities for organisations Our charity, The Purcell School to sponsor various aspects of is registered on the website the School calendar, including www.easyfundraising.org.uk Event Sponsorships our showcase concerts and The School holds a series of masterclasses throughout the concerts each year at various year. Organisations or groups also For more information about prestigious events in London, as have the opportunity to select The Fundraising and Development or to well as an Annual Fundraising Purcell School as their preferred or discuss these ways to help, please Gala Dinner. Sponsorship of these nominated charity. contact Ruth Blake, Development events ensures we keep our costs Manager, on 01923 331131 or to a minimum. [email protected] Legacies Making a will is a significant The Friends personal responsibility and of Purcell School the people and causes you By becoming a Friend you remember in your will are a support the work of the School. positive recognition of all that is You receive discounted tickets important to you. We appreciate to School events, an invitation that the welfare and concern of to the exclusive annual Friends’ those closest to you will be your concert and three newsletters first priority. Just as a will brings per year. Friends’ support the security to your family’s future, a ‘Friends’ Scholar’. legacy to The Purcell School plays a crucial part in maintaining and developing the school for the benefit of future generations of young people.

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