Music
Performance opportunities
Preparing you to be a professional performer is the key focus of training at the School. You will be encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities that exist both formally and informally within the School and outside.
We are fortunate that through our Creative Alliance with the Barbican and London Symphony Orchestra, we are able to access not only the players of the LSO but also a wide range of international visiting artists to the Barbican and LSO for Masterclasses with our students. In recent years these have included:
Alison Balsom, Sarah Connolly, Imogen Cooper, Sir Colin Davis, Richard Egarr, Richard Goode, Daniel Harding, Stephen Kovacevich, Andrew Marriner, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Anne Sofie von Otter, André Previn, Marisa Robles, András Schiff, Christina Tetzlaff, Michael Tilson Thomas, Nikolaj Znaider, Belcea Quartet, Endellion Quartet, the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra)
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 the nearby Hall of Residence, Sundial Court. Work has also begun on the brand new, state-of-the-art Milton Court, which will include a 610-seat concert hall and two theatres, due to open in September 2013.
The termly opera production takes place in the Silk Street Theatre, which offers particularly fine technical facilities.
The School is equipped with a large number of solo practice studios, medium size ensemble rooms, larger performance spaces and recording facilities. Most rooms are equipped with pianos (grands where possible) as well as being fully fitted out with the latest audio visual equipment.
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.
View this season's music performances
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 Martin-in-the-Fields.
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.
Music Ensembles
There is a vast array of Guildhall School ensembles:
- 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.
Read about our collaborative programmes, Centre for Orchestra and the Gold Medal competition.
Visiting Ensembles and Artists
Takács Quartet
(International Chair in Quartet)
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
Endellion Quartet
(Visiting Quartet-in-Association)
Andrew Watkinson, violin
Ralph de Souza, violin
Garfield Jackson, viola
David Waterman, cello
“ You have access to some of the best musicians in London and all the knowledge they have about their profession. ”
Thanihan Jeyapalan
BMus Bassoon
“ I've had amazing masterclasses with great musicians such as Richard Goode and Paul Lewis. ”
Grace Yeo
MMus Piano
“ A world-class staff, whose dedication and passion inspire students to achieve their utmost potential. ”
Anna Anandarajah
BMus Vocal Studies
“ The performance opportunities available through Guildhall are second to none, and act as a springboard into the profession. ”
Edward Pick
Postgraduate Piano
“ The School’s reputation of providing world-class tuition and support for every student has proved to be true – I have been supported every step of the way. ”
Ben Gernon
BMus Tuba
“ I am thrilled with my teacher; every session confirms the decision to be here studying with him. ”
Charlie Mellor
MMus Opera Studies
“ It’s amazing to be learning from some of the leading figures in the contemporary music scene, teachers who constantly inspire and who truly wish you to succeed. ”
Sylvia Lim
BMus Composition
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Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DT Tel +44 (0) 20 7628 2571 Fax +44 (0) 20 7256 9438
