The Purcell School, the UK's oldest specialist music school, has announced the release of 'Purcell — A 60 Year Celebration', a new documentary showcasing two innovative musical projects.

These have been developed by the school's Composition Department and have been directed and produced by Thea Cole, co-founder of StartPoint TV.

SCRAWL and simultaneoUS

The film is now available on YouTube and highlights the 'SCRAWL' and 'simultaneoUS' projects which demonstrate the school's commitment to fostering artistic collaboration, innovation and inclusivity among young composers.

SCRAWL is a 10-minute composition described as 'musical graffiti'. Written by The Purcell School's Head of Composition, Alison Cox (above), in collaboration with 60 alumni composers, the piece is performed by a 60-strong orchestra of students from the School's 2023 Symphony Orchestra.

'simultaneoUS' was composed by BBC Young Composer winner and alumna Maddy Chassar-Hesketh.

It is built upon musical fragments contributed by 100 school children as well as prominent figures such as Judith Weir, Errollyn Wallen, Joseph Phibbs and Caroline Shaw.

The work highlights the potential of music to bring people together across generations and backgrounds.

To enjoy

To enjoy go to: https://youtu.be/Zsygjy1jb6Q