Generous legacy gift establishes first ever Guildhall Young Artists’ Endowment Fund

The Fund has been made possible thanks to a generous six-figure gift from the family of John Murray (1964-2023), in his name, to support the School’s provision for music education for under-18s. 

John was a lifelong lover of music and its power to shape lives. That passion drove his desire to support young people with opportunities to experience music – not only as a path to becoming musicians, but for the creativity, joy, and sense of belonging it nurtures in every aspect of life. 

Alison Mears, Director of Guildhall Young Artists & Safeguarding at Guildhall School, said: “We are incredibly grateful to John Murray and his family for this very generous gift. Guildhall School has a rich history as a world-class performing arts institution, and we are one of the UK’s largest providers of specialist music education for under-18s. The kindness John and his family have shown in thinking of including a gift for us in his Will ensures we can continue training the artists of the future, no matter their background or locality.” 

A recent performance by the London Schools Symphony Orchestra was dedicated to John’s memory, with London’s premier youth orchestra for young musicians playing music from Stravinksy’s Firebird and Dvořák’s New World Symphony. 

We honour those who pledge their support to Guildhall School in their Will by inviting them to join the 1880 Society. To learn more about leaving a legacy or arranging a visit, contact Meg Ryan at meg.ryan@gsmd.ac.uk / 0203 834 1561.