Guildhall appoints International Chair in Improvisation

Simon Purcell, one of Britain’s most accomplished contemporary jazz pianists, will return to Guildhall as International Chair in Improvisation in the 2018 Autumn term. Purcell taught at the School as Professor of Jazz Improvisation and Piano from 1988–2005, before spending twelve years as Head of Jazz at Trinity Laban between 2005–2017.

As a performer, he has worked both as a leader and sideman with, among others, Red Rodney, Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Henderson, Stan Sulzmann, Jean Toussaint, Valery Ponomarev, Dale Barlow, Gene Calderazzo, Julian Argüelles, Bobby Shew, Julian Siegel, Conrad Erwig, and Steve Williamson.

Purcell said: ‘I am excited to be returning to the Guildhall School and to be part of such a forward-looking institution. I feel honoured to be offered this position alongside such prestigious musicians, both in the Jazz department and across the School.’

Joining Purcell in the jazz faculty this year are three visiting artists, providing masterclasses throughout the year: alumnus Yazz Ahmed (Improvisation with Electronics), Jason Singh (Voice Sculpture) and Tom Walsh (Trumpet).

Both Purcell and Ahmed are performing in the Jazz Faculty Showcase on Thursday 25 October, at the end of the three-day annual Guildhall Jazz Showcase, where Milton Court Studio Theatre is transformed into a jazz club bringing a diverse range of performances to celebrate the very best of jazz today.