Purcell graduate Ori Epstein is making a very welcome return to perform with Watford Symphony Orchestra next weekend. This will be his first local performance since completing his studies at the school last summer.

Born in Tel-Aviv in 1993, Ori began his cello studies at the age of six at the Israeli Conservatory. In 2002, Ori and his family moved to Bushey.

“My whole family moved to Bushey from Tel Aviv. This enabled me and my two siblings to go to the Purcell School as day students. I always got a lot of support from my family and especially from my brother Omri, who even today is my mentor.“

Ori studied at the Purcell School under Pal Banda. His accomplishments were praised early on locally when in July 2005 he became the youngest winner of the Three Rivers Young Musician of the Year Multi-Instrumental Competition. Ori went on to win prizes at the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra Young Soloists Competition in 2008 and 2009. The prestigious Academia Musicale Chigiana, Siena, awarded Ori with the Diploma of Merit in 2010 and 2011.

Ori is currently studying with renowned cellist Antonio Meneses at the Bern University of Arts.

In July last year, Ori was awarded the Purcell School of Music Leavers’ Award for the most promising graduate of the school.

He adds: “When I left the Purcell School last summer, I closed a very significant chapter in my musical education. It is a very good feeling to be rewarded and recognised for many years of hard work at the school."

The guest conductor is John Brennan and the programme includes Walton: Crown Imperial, Daniel Bush: Symphonic Dance, Saint-Saens: Cello Concerto No. 1 (soloist: Ori Epstein) and Beethoven: Symphony No.3.

Clarendon Muse, Rickmansworth Road, Watford on Saturday, May 12 at 7.45pm. Advance booking. Details: 01923 244196, watfordsymphonyorchestra.co.uk