The UK's Purcell School for Young Musicians Announces New Patron

Violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky will join fellow patrons of the school, including Sir Simon Rattle and Evgeny Kissin

Britainʼs oldest school for emerging musicians, The Purcell School comprises almost 200 students, and holds the UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal for its contribution to music, education, and culture.

As the newest patron of the school, violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky will join others in the role, including Sir Simon Rattle (President), Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sir Andrew Davis, Evgeny Kissin, Donatella Flick, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and Julian Lloyd Webber.

With a discography of over 40 recordings, Sitkovetsky has worked with the Academy of St-Martin-In-The-Fields, Dallas Symphony, London Philharmonic, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, Lucerne Symphony, Orchestra della Toscana, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Shanghai Symphony, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, and more.

 In 1990, he founded the New European Strings Chamber Orchestra, which gathers string players from the top European ensembles. Additionally, he serves as a juror for prestigious international conducting and performance competitions.

“It is a tremendous privilege to welcome Dmitry Sitkovetsky as the School’s newest patron,” said Purcell School’s principal, Paul Bambrough in the press release. “It is thrilling to have the opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting relationship with a musician of such international renown and astonishing talent. 

“Dmitry's recent visit to the school left a profound and lasting impression on all of us and I know that both current and future students will benefit from Dmitry's profound wisdom and experience,” he added. “Our String department is one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the world and to be supported and guided by a violinist of such significance and distinction will only inspire and encourage our young players to even greater heights.”

“It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I accept this wonderful honor to be a new Patron of the Purcell School,” Sitkovetsky said. “It marks a new chapter in my professional life — a chance to share my good fortune of having grown up with the giants of the music world, with the most exciting young talents at the best music school in the UK.”