Staff from The Peace Hospice and students from The Purcell School for Young Musicians featured in a BBC Three Counties Radio broadcast about the forthcoming Peace Classics concert on Wednesday, February 27.

DJ Nick Coffer interviewed them live to learn more about both the work of The Peace Hospice, The Purcell School and the concert, which is jointly organised by the Watford Observer.

Purcell Director of Music, Quentin Poole was joined by sixth form students Phelan Burgoyne and Michael Hope, and Rachel Fowler, corporate development manager at the hospice. Since the interview, Phelan has heard he will be studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music next year and Michael will be accepting a choral scholarship at Oxford.

Purcell's Jane Hunt said: "The school is delighted to be working with The Peace Hospice again to put on this concert.

"It is an invaluable performance opportunity for the pupils and a fantastic way to bring people to the school to see what we do.

"Engaging and involving pupils in fundraising and supporting the wider community through collaborating with a charity such as The Hospice is integral to our ethos. It’s a great way to use their talent and enthusiasm to put something into the community."

The programme will include a variety of pieces from Chopin Preludes, Flamenco inspired folk music to traditional jazz items and will also feature original songs performed by Mackenzie Kavanagh, aged 12, who won the regional final of the UK Open Mic Contest.

The pupils performing reflect the international aspect of the school, being from the UK, Greece, Lithuania, France, Germany and Bulgaria.

Last year’s event was attended by the then mayor of Hertsmere, Sandra Parnell, who said: "I had the most amazing and exciting evening. The amount of talent these students have is a real credit to the school and, of course, to them.

"I felt it an honour to have been invited and would not miss this concert for the world. I am fortunate to go to so many things but I must say it was one of the best evenings I have enjoyed for many a year."

Rachel Fowler said: "The talented performances from these young students far exceeded my expectations.

"I felt I could not have enjoyed a performance in Central London more, and found it hard to believe they were at the school to improve - in my view they could not possibly get any better.

"Three generations of my family attended and we all raved about the event. Support at events like this is so important to The Peace Hospice to help us raise the £3.8m in voluntary income we need to offer our services free of charge across South West Hertfordshire."

Tickets for the event are £20 (£10 for students and under 16’s) and include welcome drinks and canapés and drinks during the interval, kindly provided by the Blue Check Restaurant and West Herts College.

For further details or to book tickets call 01923 330340 or visit the events page at www.peacehospice.org.uk.