Wells Cathedral School alumnus, Nurry Lee, is gearing up for a performance of a lifetime at Carnegie Hall in New York.

After clinching the First Prize at the Piano House International Piano Competition, she described her impending Carnegie Hall debut as a "pinch me moment."

"I'm so thrilled to have won this competition," Nurry said. "Playing at Carnegie Hall has been a lifelong dream of mine. It is really a pinnacle moment in any musician's career, to be able to play there. I have been performing nationally and internationally since I finished studying last year, in 2022. It has been a rollercoaster, but every moment has been truly enjoyable."

Nurry's connection to Wells runs deep. She began her musical journey at the tender age of six, learning the piano from her mother. By age 11, she had achieved 'Grade 8 Distinction' in both piano and violin. She attended Wells Cathedral School on a full scholarship and a specialist place, where she studied under the Head of Keyboard, Professor John Byrne. During her time at the school, she won the Concerto Competition performing the Shostakovich Piano Concerto and worked with esteemed conductors Christopher Adey, Paul Denegri, and Dennis Simons.

Her portfolio is not limited to solo performances; Nurry has graced stages like Bath Abbey, Bath Pump Rooms, and Bristol's Colston Hall. She even performed for the Countess of Wessex. Alongside her solo work, she enjoys collaborative performances, having played with orchestras, choirs, big bands, and chamber music groups.

However, Nurry's expertise is not just limited to solo acts. She has also performed at several renowned local venues like Bath Abbey, Bath Pump Rooms, and Bristol's Colston Hall, even capturing the attention of the Countess of Wessex with her mesmerising music. A versatile musician, she thrives in collaborative settings, having played with various orchestras, choirs, big bands, and chamber music groups. Her ability to seamlessly integrate with other musicians is a testament to her skill and her belief in the communal nature of music.

Going forward, Nurry has ambitious plans for 2024, including spreading her music in Bath through smaller performances. Following her successful August concert for Motor Neuron Disease awareness, she's planning three more concerts in the Bath area and a new album is in the pipeline.

But through all her achievements and busy schedule, Nurry remains committed to breaking down barriers in the world of classical music. "I would play in Carnegie Hall one day, and a pub down the road the next. For me, music itself has no boundaries," she reflects.

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