A classical music concert co-organised by the Watford Observer at The Purcell School in Bushey this evening (Wed) raised around £3,500 for The Peace Hospice.

The Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Linda Silver was among 150 guests who attended “Peace Classics” organised by members of the hospice’s Corporate Development Group, in the school’s Constance Pilkington concert hall.

Among the gifted young people playing was last year’s BBC Young Musician of The Year category finalist, Lavinia Redman who performed Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C major, i Allegro aperto.

Other soloists included violinist Elena Abad, cellist Hut Wongwechwiwat pianists Tyler Hay and Chae Seo Lee, Louis Dowdeswell and Clare Elton (both trumpet) Helena Jacklin (French horn), James Richardson (trombone) and Oliver Brooks (tuba).

The accompanist was Deborah Shah, who studied at the Purcell School and then won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music before taking up her post on the Purcell staff.

The concert was recorded and CDs will be available for sale at The Peace Hospice’s charity shops in Watford soon.

The event was sponsored by Vinci Construction and a number of other businesses joined the Watford Observer in its organisation. Among them were Watford Chamber of Commerce, Cardif Pinnacle and RBS.

There was an interval drinks reception sponsored by the Blue Check restaurant in Bushey and canapés were served by students from West Herts College catering department.

Another sponsor, Hill Garwood Printing produced a souvenir programme of the evening and Mullany’s coach travel provided transport on the evening for the students.

Watford Observer Editorial Manager Frazer Ansell said: “This event has come to fruition in little more than four months and for that we can thank The Purcell School who have bent over backwards to accommodate our every need and, of course, our very generous sponsors.

“As for the music, it was absolutely stunning. The Purcell’s students are among the finest young musicians in the world and the repertoire this evening really show-cased their tremendous talent.

“Hopefully the success of this evening’s concert will make this an important annual event for both friends of the Peace Hospice and for classical music fans.”

Peace Classis: the CD will cost £5. To pre-order your copy contact Maggie Grand at the Peace Hospice on 01923 335348 or email her on mgrand@peacehospice.org.uk.

To see pictures from the night click Peace Classics