"This is what the musical world has been needing."
Sir Colin Davis, President, London Symphony Orchestra

Ensemble training is a key element within the musical life of the Guildhall School. Centre for Orchestra, launched in 2009, is a unique collaboration between the London Symphony Orchestra, Guildhall School and Barbican creating a forum in London for orchestral development in the 21st century. Boulez described the Orchestra as an 'ensemble of possibilities', providing not only the opportunity to play core and new repertoire but the opportunity to challenge perceptions, challenge yourself and create new experiences.

Centre for Orchestra offers Guildhall School musicians unparalleled access to a world-class orchestra and international arts centre. The programme focuses on orchestral training, education and early career support in order to create the great orchestral musicians of the future.

Centre for Orchestra focuses on the following core components:

Orchestral work: players in the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra receive individual and group sectionals plus full ensemble coaching from LSO players in the lead up to a performance at the Barbican

Solo work: Masterclasses and workshops with international soloists, composers and conductors are offered to develop performance technique and presentation

Entering the profession: prepares students, their repertoire, and presentation for auditions and public performances. Students may attend LSO rehearsals, LSO concerts and an Orchestra Fair in order to get to know the inner workings of a professional orchestra

The wider profession: orchestral musicians have to work in a range of contexts. This programme offers students the opportunity to experience new areas

Chamber music: students have the opportunity to develop their chamber music performance through shadowing LSO performances and performing on stage at the Barbican in advance of LSO concerts

Digital links: digital platforms link the School with other musical organisations across the globe allowing students to take part in debates with visiting soloists and conductors

Other art forms: opportunities to explore and experiment with dance, spoken word, theatre and visual art at the Barbican Centre, and allow it to inspire new directions in your musical performance

Research projects: what does it take to become and sustain a career as an orchestral musician? What new possibilities are there for orchestral musicians in the contemporary world?

Orchestral Artistry in association with the London Symphony Orchestra (subject to validation)

The new Orchestral Artistry specialism builds on the international reputation of the old orchestral course and the success of the Centre for Orchestra. This unique collaboration between the Guildhall School, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Barbican Centre provides a pioneering programme of orchestral training unrivalled in the world.

Read more about the Orchestral Artistry specialism

For further information, or to request a Centre for Orchestra brochure, contact: music@gsmd.ac.uk


Supported by HEFCE


Centre for Orchestra and Guildhall Symphony Orchestra teaching staff