From the heart of the Circle

Their stories, full of warmth and insight, highlight the diverse and meaningful ways in which our supporters engage with students at Guildhall School. From cherished performances to behind-the-scenes memories, these reflections celebrate the friendships, inspiration and lasting impact that the School fosters.

What are your memories of Guildhall School? If you are a supporter, or would like to be, we would love to hear your story! Please contact Zoe at zoe.jennings@gsmd.ac.uk 

My association with Guildhall School of Music & Drama began in 1982. Over the last 43 years my wife and I have attended many performances covering all the disciplines practised at Guildhall. We have consistently been amazed and grateful for the wonderful talent of the students and also their absolute professionalism. It is difficult to look back and select any one event as being the outstanding one.

The performance I look back on with the greatest thrill, was the production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen in 1988.

This was such an ambitious project as it embraced every department of Guildhall School, including Technical Theatre, Stage Management (and Lighting) and Costumes. In addition, the cast was supplemented with students from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. 

This was especially appropriate as we celebrated the Tercentenary of the Accession of William and Mary. The production was conducted by the very distinguished William Christie and directed by the equally distinguished Robin Midgley.

The first three performances took place in the Elizabethan Hall of Middle Temple, and were followed by a Gala performance in the City of London’s Guildhall before an invited audience, with financial support from the law firm Linklaters, who were celebrating their 130th Anniversary of being formed.

The whole production then travelled to The Hague for a further two performances.

The Guildhall gala performance on 2 December 1988 marked the retirement of John Hosier CBE as Principal of Guildhall School. The Fairy Queen was probably John’s most ambitious and magical project during his ten years as Principal. It was only a fair sample of the variety and quality of the performances throughout his years as Principal which helped make Guildhall the special place it is. 

Photos courtesy of the London Archives.

We have been supporters of Guildhall School of Music & Drama through the Guildhall Circle since 2023, having been introduced by friends. We are both music lovers and are amateur musicians ourselves, so we have some modest understanding of the degree of commitment needed to play an instrument to any standard. We have been so impressed by the level of skill displayed by all the students involved, both on the stage and behind the scenes. 

What has also impressed us is the sheer joy which they bring to their art – the energy, enthusiasm, imagination, talent and attention to detail.

Since joining the Circle, we have attended a range of events including Much Ado About Nothing, Jazz and Big Band shows, orchestral works including Richard Strauss’ superb Alpine Symphony and many operatic productions. We have been introduced to the works of Jonathan Dove which we found highly entertaining and brilliantly staged. The Opera Makers event was particularly noteworthy for showcasing, as it did, the creative talents of three composer/librettist teams, as well as allowing us a more detailed look at the work of the many specialist disciplines who operate behind the scenes to support the performers who we see on stage. 

By attending the annual Gala Dinners, we have been privileged to meet and spend time with some of Guildhall School’s illustrious alumni (of whom there are many) who so generously give their time and energy to supporting their alma mater in this way. So much of this has been possible through our membership of The Circle and we are very glad to be able to support the School and its work in this way.

In the late summer of 1969 I had changed employment to work in the City of London, and, having made it known to the Personnel Department (now the HR Dept.) that I had an interest in classical music, was asked if I would like to attend an opera that autumn which was to be held in and by Guildhall School of Music & Drama – to which I readily said “I would”. Not knowing what to expect, I was led to a rather grand Victorian building by Blackfriars with the name of the School embossed in stone over its entrance. To walk through it to get to the theatre was quite another matter, it being rather dark and uninviting. However, the opera (I cannot now remember the name, as the years have taken their toll!) was something of a revelation for me to behold. I was hooked and have been supporting the School and its students ever since!

After I retired from full time work, I tried to attend most of the main productions. 

To pick one which stood out, would probably be almost invidious, as they have, in my estimation, all been good in their various ways, many being exceptional. 

Attending about six events per term, I often used to see a familiar face in the auditorium. Eventually she asked me if I was ever going to greet her! She was the wonderful and indomitable(!) Deputy Ivy Sharp, with whom I soon became a good friend. It was at a time when she was Chairman of the Board that I was on – the Friends Committee – under the late Principal, Ian Horsburgh. The Friends later morphed into, amongst other tiers, The Circle.

Ivy was on the Court of Common Council for 27 years and worked on the plans to build Milton Court. Very sadly, she did not quite make seeing the opening thereof due to an incurable illness. However, Ivy did leave a considerable amount of money for a Scholarship to be made in her Memory. Later, I was able to join in with her daughter Liz and her family to name a seat in the Concert Hall of the then new Milton Court as a token of many happy memories together, a donation which we renewed two years ago. The Common Room in Milton Court is also named after Ivy.

I can only applaud Guildhall School in all its aspects: the Professors are exemplary in their expertise and leadership; the students (whom Ivy loved so much); the many persons who help keep the smooth running of the establishment; and not forgetting the City of London Corporation, without which, there would no School as we know it. 

The result: you can always tell when an actor or musician has trained at Guildhall – they exude upon the stage that unique air of friendship and camaraderie. I am privileged to have been a supporter of Guildhall these many years - and thank you.

Join senior fundraisers Rachel Davis and Meg Ryan for 'Tea & Talk' to explore how gifts in Wills create lasting impact for years to come. Meet us on either Wednesday November 5th or Wednesday December 3rd at 2.30- 5.30pm at Guildhall School for an informal conversation.

Booking is essential. Please email meg.ryan@gsmd.ac.uk