Performance opportunities

Preparation as a professional performer is the key focus of training at the School. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities that exist both formally and informally within the School and outside.

In the School

Performance spaces include a Music Hall, the Silk Street Theatre, a smaller Lecture Recital Room and a performance space in the basement of its nearby Hall of Residence, Sundial Court. Work has begun on a new building which will include a 610-seat concert hall and two theatres.

The termly opera production takes place in the Silk Street Theatre, which offers particularly fine technical facilities.

In addition to opera and drama productions, there is a full programme of student concerts and recitals within the School. These events, which number over 100 every term, are generally open to the public.

Click here for further details on the programme of events

In London

The School's large ensembles give regular concerts in the Barbican Hall and LSO St Luke's. There is also regular use of the Barbican's Church of St Giles Cripplegate as a concert venue. Other performances are given in venues such as Kings Place, Bishopsgate Institute, St John's Smith Square and St Sepulchre's Church.

Outside Engagements

One of the most valuable opportunities for performance experience is the School's extensive programme of Outside Engagements. The engagements range from background music at company and corporate functions, music for wedding services, receptions and family occasions, to full recitals and concerto performances for music clubs and societies. There are opportunities for vocal and concerto soloists, and jazz groups. Individual performers and ensembles wishing to participate in the Outside Engagements programme are required first to pass an audition within the School.

The programme grows constantly and, in the current academic year, the number of outside engagements will exceed 600.

Music Ensembles

The main, regular ensembles are:

  • Guildhall Symphony Orchestra
  • Guildhall Sinfonia
  • Guildhall Chamber Orchestra
  • Guildhall String Ensemble
  • Student Conductors' Orchestra
  • Guildhall Symphonic Wind Ensemble
  • Guildhall Brass Band
  • Guildhall Historic Performance Ensemble
  • Guildhall Historic Performance Project
  • Recorder Consort
  • Guildhall New Music Ensemble
  • Guildhall Jazz Orchestra
  • Big Band
  • Small Jazz Bands
  • Guildhall Jazz Singers

In addition, students are encouraged to form their own ensembles and these vary from duos, trios and quartets to mixed groups, jazz ensembles and chamber orchestras.

An annual Guildhall Festival brings together students from all disciplines and offers an informal showcase for the creative talents of students throughout the School.

Visiting Ensembles and Artists

Takács Quartet
(International Visiting Artists)
Edward Dusinberre, violin
Károly Schranz, violin
Geraldine Walther, viola
András Fejér, cello

Belcea Quartet
(Quartet in Residence)
Corina Belcea-Fisher, violin
Laura Samuel, violin
Krzysztof Chorzelski, viola
Antoine Lederlin, cello

Kungsbacka Piano Trio
(Associate Ensemble)
Simon Crawford-Phillips, piano
Malin Broman, violin
Jesper Svedberg, cello