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Annual Report 2019/20 About us Welcome

Guildhall School delivers world-leading professional Welcome to the Guildhall School training in music, drama and production arts, working of Music & Drama Annual Report in dynamic partnership with leading artists, companies for 2019/20. and ensembles.

The School enjoys a unique historic We foster exploration, innovation role in the cultural life of the City and entrepreneurship among both of London, yet our perspective is staff and students, and seek to global and forward-looking. Our embed leading edge research into state of the art performance and the impact of the arts and the role teaching spaces, eminent staff and of artists in the 21st century. progressive curriculum attract students from over 60 countries to Our mission is to empower artists to realise their full potential; to The story of this year at Guildhall outstanding online productions I am immensely proud of the pursue their ambitions as the next School is a story of two halves: that have demonstrated superb accomplishments of the School generation of world-class artists. develop distinctive artistic citizens who enrich the lives of others and strong delivery on our strategic resourcefulness and ingenuity. community during the period make a positive impact in the world. objectives until March 2020, covered by this Annual Report – with subsequent disruption to By adapting to change with but I am not surprised. The arts gsmd.ac.uk the usual rhythm of the School energy and imagination, we have have come through many historical and rapid establishment of new created new ways of working challenges, and performing artists patterns of learning, teaching and which I believe will turn out to demonstrate incredible citizenship performance in the wake of the be evolutionary leaps for training in times of change, making all COVID-19 pandemic. in performing and production of our lives more meaningful, arts, and will contribute to our convivial and enjoyable. These are The School’s objective to enable our ongoing vison of ‘craft, creativity precisely the qualities that the world students to be ‘adaptable, purposeful and learning at the forefront of has needed during the past year. and responsible artists in society’ cultural change’. has rarely been more fully realised I have no doubt that Guildhall will than during 2019/20. Guildhall Change has come in different forms emerge into 2021 with renewed has witnessed some of the most during this year. In June and July energy and belief in what we do as incredible creativity and innovation 2020, we held intensive discussions artists, as educators and as people. in its 140 years of history. Students in response to global protests and staff have collaborated, with around racism and the Black Lives energy and commitment in the face Matter movement. We are now of the pandemic, and have entered undertaking urgent work to address a new world of remote teaching and dismantle racism at Guildhall, Lynne Williams am and learning. and will add a new Equality, Principal Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to The School’s artistic highlights have the cross-cutting priorities of our continued despite dark periods in strategic plan next year. our usual performance spaces, with

For further copies of this Annual Report, and other corporate documents, visit gsmd.ac.uk/corporatedocuments

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Contents The Royale

Achieving our goals in a year of dramatic change 4 Our vision and values 4 Our goals, 2019/20 5 Strategic highlights, 2019/20 5 A year of dramatic change: COVID-19 6

Distinctive training for world-class artists 14 Reputation and rankings 15 World-class artists, 2019/20 16

Strong bonds with strategic partners 24 UK partners 25 Internationalisation 28

Helping young artists find their creative voice 30 Children and young people 32 Creative Learning 35

Leading positive cultural change 38 Research 39 Guildhall Live Events 41 Creative Entrepreneurs 43 Coaching and Mentoring 44 Short courses 46

Fit for the 21st century 48 Staff and faculty 50 Digital technology 52 Access and Participation 54 Anti-racism 58 Sustainability 60 Development and alumni 61 A strong financial model 63 Financial profile 64 Student profiles 65

Celebrating success 69 Alumni awards 70 Student awards 74 Roll call: Guildhall productions and events 77

Supporters and leadership 83 Our supporters 84 Patron, Board of Governors and Senior Leadership 85

3 Achieving our Our goals, 2019/20

goals in a year of This year, as last year, the Annual Report is structured around dramatic change the objectives that guide our work from 2017–2022:

To deliver distinctive training for To lead positive cultural change Digital world-class artists through degree which impacts on society, our To contribute to the future of the programmes which enable our industry and the wider world arts and creative industries through artists to be world-class; virtuosi in through professional development, new technology and digital their field; adaptable, purposeful research and knowledge exchange learning and engagement. and responsible artists in society. and public engagement International To strengthen our unique To be fit for the 21st century: an To lead and partner on activity bonds with strategic partners evolving and sustainable institution, which builds an internationally at the Barbican Centre and the through acquisition and retention of engaged and globally relevant City of London, and establish a world leading staff, future-focussed community. creative destination in the City’s learning and teaching spaces and Culture Mile. resources and fit-for-purpose Diverse services, underpinned by a strong To build a teaching and learning To help young artists find their financial model. environment which offers creative voice by refocusing opportunities for everyone to engage our outstanding and wide- Alongside these objectives, with the arts; an environment that reaching Guildhall Young Artists we deliver on three cross-cutting is enriched by a diverse creative programme. priorities: community that reflects the society in which we live and work.

Our vision We value Strategic highlights, 2019/20 Craft, creativity and – The unique artistic voice and the transformative Guildhall performance moves QS World University Rankings Supported Application Scheme power of the artist within society. online 2020 Our new Supported Application learning at the forefront – A creative practice sustained by exploration, Investment in specialist technology The School is now ranked sixth in Scheme provides support for innovation and entrepreneurship. means that performance by the world for performing arts (see applicants from low-income of cultural change. – A learning and teaching environment enriched Guildhall students can now reach a page 15). households (see page 54). by a diverse creative community. broader audience than ever before (see page 9). Ten years of Barbican Guildhall Reduced Acting audition fees – Partnership and the collaborative spirit in the Creative Learning We announced a 47% reduction creation and performance of work. Student Experience Festival 2019 marked the ten-year in our Acting audition fees from – Opportunities for all to engage with the arts In June 2020, Guildhall hosted its anniversary of Barbican Guildhall 2020 (see page 57). and the pursuit of life-long creative learning. first ever online orientation festival Creative Learning (see page 35). – Our leadership role within an international for new students (see page 10). Guildhall Patrons arts and creative industries sector. Our new philanthropic programme is designed to enrich training at the School (see page 67). 4 5 From remote lessons and The School established a COVID-19 masterclasses to virtual auditions Gold Team to manage day-to- A year of dramatic and online performance, we have day decision-making, providing been humbled by the tireless guidance specific to our needs efforts and resilience shown by as a performing arts training staff and students in response to institution and keeping students the challenge of the pandemic. and staff informed of health change: COVID-19 and safety procedures. The intimate nature of much of our teaching required additional Transition to online space to accommodate three- Guildhall School’s rehearsal rooms, stages and concert teaching and learning metre distancing, complex safety measures for ensemble, orchestral halls were dark during summer term 2020 in the wake In March 2020, as a result of and production work, and specialist lockdown, Guildhall School equipment for vocal, wind and of the COVID-19 pandemic – but we found light and closed its doors for one of the brass lessons. The experience very few times in its 140-year gained has enabled the School inspiration among our community of staff and students, who history. Students and staff to serve as an effective advocate adapted quickly to a new world for the needs of conservatoires in demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in bringing the School of remote teaching and learning. dialogue with government about Staff responded with energy and pandemic response. community to life in new and exciting ways. commitment to rapidly redefine their programme offer and By September 2020, it was clear move teaching online. Students that lockdown had resulted continued lessons in adapted spaces in some hugely creative and within the School and in their innovative teaching and learning, own kitchens, living rooms – and with messages of gratitude from sometimes even cars – spread many students for the outstanding across the world, and showed work of staff and plans to move to remarkable resourcefulness and a blended approach – with both in- focus in completing learning and person and online teaching – as we assessments. reopened our buildings and moved into a new academic year.

“Having the time and space to play with music in the kind of depth that producing an edition requires has been transformative. This edition is a lockdown performance – an expression of both the students’ musicianship and the dedication of the professors who have supported them through this challenging term.”

Dr Christopher Suckling, Head of Historical Performance, describing the creation Guildhall Jazz musicians and Kevin Fox of a new edition of a Handel cantata; an unexpected teaching opportunity provided performing What is Hip. by lockdown.

6 7 with minimal delay) enables large- broader audience than ever before. all the challenges they’ve faced, and scale collaboration between spaces Some of the digital work made and makes us proud to share their work.” in the School while ensuring social shared during the year has drawn Dominic Wheeler, Head of Opera distancing. This technology puts praise from the higher education Critical acclaim and staff pride for us at the forefront of recording sector and the industry. Guildhall’s Digital Opera Double Bill, and broadcast facilities among May and June 2020 conservatoires globally, and will Digital Opera Double Bill allow for cutting edge teaching and In June 2020, 100 Guildhall learning for many years to come. We are Guildhall students and artists across 14 Audiences around the world are countries and four continents See page 52 for details of further now able to enjoy a mix of live, staged a Digital Opera Double Bill innovation in digital technology during pre-recorded archive content from the year. (see page 79), with all components all Guildhall School departments of the production created from for free at We Are Guildhall, our home and showcased in a 3D new online performance platform. virtual Silk Street Theatre. Guildhall performance The image shown overleaf is from “Ground-breaking.” moves online Provok’d: A Restoration, which Opera magazine streamed online in May 2020 in a The impact of COVID-19 on the “The way these virtual operas are put 360° performance in partnership performing arts has been severe, together is fascinating.” with LIVR, the world’s first virtual with the closure of theatres, Camden New Journal  reality content platform dedicated concert halls and public events, to theatre. and uncertainty about the future “Hottest front row seats: Best theatre for many venues. At Guildhall, we and dance to watch online.” See page 77 onwards for full have been fortunate to have the The Guardian performance listings. technical expertise and facilities to move much of our performance “The process has been exciting activity online, and are now able and eye-opening. The students’ A celebration of innovation – Creation of a unique, publicly to offer excellent quality live enthusiasm and commitment to Rehearsals with low-latency technology Highlights from a teaching year available edition of one and recorded performance by telling stories meaningfully in such that included much to celebrate of Handel’s lesser known Guildhall students, reaching a difficult circumstances transcends include: gems, the cantata Mi palpita Digital Opera Double Bill – An online masterclass for il cor. Replacing face-to-face Guildhall Jazz musicians with performance classes with instrumentalist, composer and Zoom meetings, the new singer/songwriter Kevin Fox, edition was created to allow at which students recorded an performers with no specialist extract of Kevin’s track What is historical performance training Hip for a new video. to discover and perform this beautiful piece. – An inspiring series of weekly orchestral repertoire Groundbreaking low-latency classes, curated lectures technology and performance seminars, One of the outstanding initiatives delivered live on Zoom or undertaken during lockdown was through videos created by development of a low-latency professors and artists. facility to enable synchronous – An innovative, socially teaching across a range of venues distanced Drama curriculum on campus. The School has including online rehearsals made significant investment in and workshop sessions streaming and broadcast in recent with distinguished theatre years, and the addition of low- practitioners who would not latency NDI video and Dante Audio have been available for teaching Networks (which are optimised to in normal circumstances. process very high volumes of data

8 9 additional living costs when the COVID-19 Hardship Fund borders to her home country Appeal closed and air fares increased dramatically. The generosity of To support students who found Guildhall alumni and supporters themselves in financial difficulty resulted in our most successful during the pandemic, we launched direct mail appeal ever, with a COVID-19 Hardship Fund donations totalling over £30,000 Appeal to extend our existing enabling provision of essential Hardship Fund. Many students lost support to students in severe financial support from families hardship. In addition, £55,000 was or government, or their source of made available from the Guildhall paid work, as a result of COVID-19. School Trust and a private donor One Drama student whose to support 37 self-funded students family were not in a position to who found themselves unable to support him lost all of his work pay their summer term tuition fees as a freelance photographer, as a result of financial hardship and requested urgent assistance caused by the pandemic. with rent. A first-year Music student requested assistance with

Guildhall Student Experience Provok’d: A Restoration Virtual support from Festival to give incoming students A ghost light in an empty Milton Court Theatre during lockdown Student Affairs a warm virtual welcome to the School community, enable them All Student Affairs services to meet each other, and connect moved online alongside teaching them to our support and learning in March 2020, providing services. The Festival included hundreds of virtual advice sessions online yoga, mindfulness and by phone, email and Microsoft stress management, as well as a Teams. All support services Q&A and social sessions from were able to run efficiently the Students’ Union. throughout lockdown, including physical and mental health In a feedback survey, 88% of support (such as physiotherapy, respondents rated the Student yoga and counselling), learning Experience Festival as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’. “On behalf of the whole School community, support, disability support, I would like to express heartfelt thanks to financial hardship support and “It was really nice actually hearing international student support. from people in person about the Guildhall’s alumni, supporters and patrons Our accommodation advice was School, and being able to have for unstinting generosity during the year. enhanced to give students access questions answered there and then, as to the property database at the well as being able to meet some people Record-breaking donations to our Hardship University of London Housing from the same course.” Services, providing extra support Fund Appeal and Emergency Tuition Fee in an especially challenging period “It got me excited for school term!” Fund have meant that the COVID-19 crisis of house-hunting. “I really appreciated the student did not put a premature end to the studies support systems [for learning and Student Experience Festival: disability services]; they made it of dozens of students. We are deeply online orientation for new students clear that there were systems in place grateful for – and energised by – such In June 2020, Student Affairs to help us thrive at the School.” hosted the first ever online tremendous support.”

Lynne Williams, Principal 10 11 Volunteering with the NHS Artistic citizenship in a First-year stage management pandemic student Pete Reavey describes his experience in April 2020 as a The transformative power of the volunteer clinical support worker performing artist within society at the NHS Nightingale Hospital, is at the core of Guildhall’s vision a temporary hospital to combat – and has remained vitally alive COVID-19: among staff, students and alumni during COVID-19. “What the NHS have been able to achieve in the last month is incredible. I can say with confidence that aspects Resources for student nurses of my training at Guildhall have A set of online learning resources contributed and prepared me for some designed to bring performance of this work. There’s a surprising skills into the training of student amount of crossover between theatre nurses, attracted strong attention and hospital environments. We’re during the year. Developed by there to support people; to think on Guildhall Doctoral Programme our feet; to adapt to dynamic and Leader Dr Alex Mermikides in rapidly changing situations – but to partnership with the School of also be there as a listening ear and Nursing at Kingston University, source of comfort to those that need the resources were adapted to cover it. I feel there is a strong connection COVID-19 issues, and featured between the two environments: both in The Stage, Nursing Standard have the power to build and nurture and Royal College of Nursing emotions in all of us and provide a magazines. Shining lights Alumnae Leah Gordon (Vocal very direct way to do good and make Guildhall students and alumni Studies 2005), based in Germany, an impact in our world.” See page 39 for further detail on this kept their performance skills and Marie-Elise Boyer (Piano ongoing research project. sharp and brought pleasure to 2010) (pictured above), based audiences across the world during in France, created a video the pandemic. performance in support of the Italian people affected by the Alumnus Tom Poster (Piano 2007) coronavirus crisis. and Elena Urioste (pictured above) put on concerts from their home BA Performance & Creative and found themselves featured Enterprise students moved their in The Guardian, The Strad, planned site-specific Whitecross Gramophone and on Radio 3 and Chronicles performances online, Classic FM. sharing a series of audio and visual works across three days Alumnus Nicky Spence (Opera via Instagram. Studies 2009) entertained the nation on Twitter, giving concerts A host of Guildhall alumni and from his apartment window and friends created Let’s Face the Music featuring on The Scott Mills Show and Dance, a video dedicated to on BBC Radio 1. NHS workers recorded from home using anything from professional Guitarist Nick Fitch (Jazz 2018) mics to mobile phones, balanced was one of many musicians who on books in kitchens, bathrooms delivered instrumental lessons via and bedrooms. Skype during lockdown, while alumna Phoebe Haines (Vocal “We wanted to demonstrate how

Clockwise from top left: Studies 2015) offered Skype you can still achieve something Tom Poster and Elena Urioste, singing lessons and was joined by and collaborate with others without Neighbouring the Moon, part of Jessie Tse and countertenor Albert having to leave your home, all while Whitecross Chronicles by PACE artist Montanez in a programme of helping to protect the NHS.” Riwa Saab, and Leah Gordon Pete Reavey and Marie-Elise Boyer songs from classical music’s most Sophie Poteratchi (Violin 2015). opulent characters. 12 13 Distinctive Reputation training for and rankings

world-class This year, the School has consolidated its position as a leader in training for professional practice in music, drama artists and production arts, securing high rankings in international and national league tables.

QS World University Guardian University National Student Survey Rankings 2020 Guide 2021 and Whole School Survey

Guildhall School of Music & In September 2020, Guildhall was 2020 Drama was ranked sixth in the the top-ranked conservatoire in the In July 2020, we were extremely world for performing arts in the Guardian University Guide, ranked proud to be named as top-ranked QS World University Rankings second among all UK higher conservatoire for overall student 2020, up one place from 2019. education institutions for Drama satisfaction in the Ipsos MORI The rankings include measures and rose to fourth place among all National Student Survey (NSS). for academic reputation, employer UK higher education institutions Graduating students gave a reputation and research impact. for Music. 90% overall satisfaction rate for The Juilliard School in New York, their time at the School, putting the Curtis Institute of Music in Guildhall in the top ten UK Philadelphia and the University Complete University universities for overall satisfaction. of Music and Performing Arts, 84% of graduating Guildhall Vienna, are among the other Guide League Table 2021 students responded to the survey, performing arts institutions in this and overall satisfaction was at year’s top ten. Guildhall ranked third in the UK in the Arts, Drama and Music 95% for Acting students, 94% for Complete University Guide League Production Arts and 89% for Music Table 2021, issued in September (the School’s largest undergraduate 2020, which ranks specialist cohort) with the Music Department colleges and conservatoires and achieving the highest satisfaction is based on a range of measures rate across UK conservatoires for including graduate prospects, academic support (87%). Our own research quality and student Whole School Survey showed that satisfaction. over 91% of students were satisfied with the quality of teaching on their programme.

14 15 World-class artists, 2019/20

Training at Guildhall challenges students to work to world-class standards and equips them to succeed at the highest levels of their profession. Here, we highlight some of the success achieved by Guildhall alumni and students

in 2019/20. Further listings of the year’s prizes, awards Left to right: Michaela Coel, Mirren Mack, and performances can be found from page 70. and Toheeb Jimoh

at Guildhall, played a leading role in The Beast of Blue Yonder, a new Theatre awards nominations Performance) and the Olivier Theatre. Cora Bissett’s What Drama in the series. dark comedy from award-winning Guildhall alumni were strongly Awards 2020 (Best Actor in a Girls Are Made Of, directed by playwright Philip Ridley. represented in a range of theatre Musical) for his role as Tevye Vice-Principal and Director of Both Michaela Coel (see above) awards during the year, sustaining in Fiddler on the Roof in Trevor Drama Orla O’Loughlin, was Alumni: highlights and Mirren Mack (Acting 2019) Toheeb Jimoh (Acting 2018) Michaela Coel’s (Acting 2012) the School’s long tradition as a Nunn’s production at the nominated for Performance were awarded The Laurence Olivier starred in the BBC drama Anthony training ground for the strongest Playhouse Theatre. Piece for its run at the Soho frank and provocative new drama, Bursary during their time at by multi-BAFTA winner Jimmy I May Destroy You, premiered on theatrical talent. – Further nominations at the Theatre. The OffFest Award Guildhall, and both have enjoyed McGovern. Based on the life of for Best Production at Camden BBC One and HBO in June 2020. stunning success this year. Mirren, Anthony Walker, a teenager who – Hayley Atwell (Acting Olivier Awards 2020 included Described by The Guardian as a The Ocean At The End Of The Fringe Festival 2019 went who won Guildhall’s Acting Gold was murdered in a racist attack 2005) was nominated in the to All The Little Lights at “true TV game changer” and by Medal in 2019, appeared alongside in Liverpool, the story explores Best Actress categories at Lane at the National Theatre Variety as “an astonishing work in the Best New Play category, the Tristan Bates Theatre, a Gillian Anderson in season two of what might have happened if the both the Evening Standard production which grew out of patience, empathy and, finally, the multi-award winning comedy promising student had not been Theatre Awards 2019 and featuring Samuel Blenkin understanding”, the series revolves (Acting 2017) and Justin of a CoLABorate project at drama Sex Education for Netflix, killed, and as Toheeb said in an the Olivier Awards 2020 for Guildhall, which provides the around modern relationships and an experience which she described interview for The Face magazine, her role as Rebecca West in Salinger (Acting 1996). sexual consent. Michaela, who opportunity for students to as “jaw dropping”. She returned “My job was to give Anthony the Ibsen’s Rosmersholm at the – Guildhall featured especially create their own cross-arts work. wrote, produced and stars in the to her hometown of Glasgow best life possible”. Toheeb, who was Duke of York’s Theatre, in strongly at the OffWestEnd show, described the way that the to star in BBC One’s emotional commended at the Ian Charleson a performance described as Theatre Awards 2020 (the drama pushes genre boundaries thriller The Nest, in which she Awards 2018, has upcoming roles “stunningly good” by The Stage. Offies). Marina Bye (Acting in an interview for Elle magazine: played a young woman who agrees in Wes Anderson’s film The French Neil Austin (Technical Theatre 2015) was awarded best Female “It’s about friendship. It’s also about to be a surrogate after a chance Dispatch, The Power for Amazon 1992) was nominated for Best Performance in a Supporting race. It’s also about consent, but it’s encounter with a well-off couple. Prime and Ted Lasso for Apple TV. Lighting Design for the same Role in a Play as Bolette in also about being an individual and Her performance was nominated production. Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea at being away from your tribe. Whether for Breakthrough Talent at the the Coronet Theatre. Kalungi it be your race, your gender, your – Andy Nyman (Acting 1987) Edinburgh TV Festival Awards was also nominated at both Ssebandeke (Acting 2019) economic background.” Alumnus 2020 and for Actress, Television was nominated for Male Paapa Essiedu (Acting 2012), the Evening Standard Theatre at the British Academy Scotland Awards 2019 (Best Musical Performance in a Play for who trained alongside Michaela Awards 2020. Mirren was also cast Blood Knot at the Orange Tree

16 17 theatre. She is a Young Vic Artistic Guildhall drama Prema Mehta Production Arts Associate, and also the founder productions: critical of Stage Sight, a collaborative network of which Guildhall acclaim Awards and alumni: highlights The work of production artists School is a member, which aims across the industry was severely to create a theatrical industry October 2019 disrupted during the year, that reflects society today, Red Velvet and as venues remained dark, inclusive of ethnicity, class and disability. Despite the inevitable “We should expect to see more from many awards were postponed. So in January 2020, Guildhall postponement of a number of all these hugely able actors in the projects during the year, Prema professional sphere, and soon.” Lecturer in Lighting Design and Technology Nick Peel was has been hugely busy, speaking Plays to See  especially delighted to present out on the importance of the arts alumnus Rohan McDermott in the wake of COVID-19 in The (Theatre Technology 2019) with Guardian, and the need to remove the first ever Fred Foster Award workplace barriers in the wake of for Production Electrics at the the Black Lives Matter movement in The Stage. November/December 2019 Association of Lighting Designers Provok’d: A Restoration Awards for Excellence, which recognise the strongest up-and- “One of the most vital pieces coming talent in the industry. of theatre of the year.” “Something special ... a fantastic Prema Mehta, lighting designer showcase for every single student.” In a highly successful career, alumna Prema Mehta (Technical “Passionate, egoless, important. Theatre 2004) has lit over 200 Young people talking about what productions, largely in British matters to them.” “[This] is how you do a third-year graduating show.” Casting directors, artistic directors and practitioners among the audience for Provok’d: A Restoration.

February 2020 “Over the years, I’ve repeatedly heard Gut that the lack of role models is a significant “A fine production. Shrewd factor in the lack of diversity in our and exciting.” offstage workforce. I would ask, as a The Reviews Hub  British Asian woman, how much space those in positions of power give to women – especially women of colour – to play the part of a role model. If you hold power, know that you are in a position to use your privilege to address this issue. If, in that position, you don’t create change and lift others up, I ask you to do better.”

Prema Mehta speaks out in The Stage the wake of global protests against racism. Top to bottom: See page 58 for action on anti-racism at Guildhall during the year. Red Velvet, Provok’d: A Restoration and Gut

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Shabaka Hutchings (left) Music and opera The Barbican Quartet (top) and Alexandra Lowe (right) and the competition winners with the jury (bottom)

Alumni: highlights Soprano Alexandra Lowe (Opera Jazz saxophonist, clarinettist and Studies 2019) capped Second Prize band leader Shabaka Hutchings at the Glyndebourne Opera Cup (Clarinet 2007), one of the leading and Third Prize at the Concorso lights of the current British jazz Lirico Internazionale di Portofino renaissance, enjoyed a stunning during the year with a place on year in 2019/20. From winning the Royal Opera’s prestigious Jette Album of the Year at the 2019 Parker Young Artists Programme. Jazz FM awards with his four- She joins fellow Guildhall alumni piece group Sons of Kemet, Claire Barnett-Jones, John Findon, bringing new prominence to David Ireland and Elgan Llyr jazz at Glastonbury Festival, and Thomas on the scheme, which releasing a second album with his supports the development of young South African quartet Shabaka artists of exceptional talent. and the Ancestors, Shabaka is becoming renowned as a highly “[Lowe] sang with abundant prolific force at the cutting edge of warmth and generosity, maintaining the new jazz scene. In November an elegant poise in Rossini’s ‘Willow 2020, he will join Britten Sinfonia Song’ and imbuing Mozart’s ‘Mi Awards highlights – Soul singer, songwriter and at the Barbican as part of the EFG tradi’ with full-blooded gusto.” – Guildhall garnered two prizes musician Omar Lye-Fook London Jazz Festival, putting the Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph, at the Joachim International MBE (Music 1989), known classical clarinet training that March 2020, on The Glyndebourne Chamber Music Competition professionally as Omar, and he received at Guildhall centre Opera Cup 2019, with First Prize going Guildhall Jazz Piano Professor stage in a concert of Copland and to the Barbican Quartet and Nikki Iles were both awarded Stravinsky. Second Prize to Guildhall the prestigious Ivors Academy String Quartet Fellows the Gold Badge 2019, presented by “If jazz is looking to reinvent itself Marmen Quartet, who were the songwriting and composing … the music of Shabaka and the also awarded joint First Prize, community to celebrate Ancestors might be a good place to Haydn Prize and Canadian exceptional talent in the UK start.” Commission Prize at the Banff music industry. Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, International String Quartet March 2020 Competition 2019.

20 21 “It’s an absolute thrill to be named as an RPS Composer and to take advantage of the amazing opportunities offered by the scheme. It’s also especially lovely to be representing Guildhall along with Sylvia – the training and support I’ve received here have been truly invaluable in my development as a composer.”

Jonathan Woolgar, Composition student, on being selected as a Royal Philharmonic Society Composer alongside fellow student Sylvia Lim.

– Current students Daniel Davis In the spotlight: (DMus Composition) and composers Sylvia Lim (PG Cert in Performance Teaching) Guildhall composers have enjoyed joined the 2019/20 London an especially successful year. Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) Highlights include: Young Composers Programme, which offers emerging – In June 2019, Robert Reid composers the opportunity to Allan (Composition 2018), workshop a new piece with the Apprentice Composer-in- Orchestra’s musicians, leading Residence for Birmingham to a public performance at Contemporary Music Group Queen Elizabeth Hall. for 2018/19, premiered Physical Education at the City – Sylvia Lim was also selected, of Birmingham Symphony alongside student Jonathan Orchestra Centre, a new work Woolgar (DMus Composition), based on childhood memories among the Royal Philharmonic of PE lessons exploring themes Society (RPS) Composers for 2020/21, with a commission of masculinity, physical June 2020 (broadcast of from the RPS, support to La Fedeltà Premiata (left) and the Digital Guildhall music and March 2019 performance) intimacy and sexuality. Opera Double Bill (right) secure future commissions, opera productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Tansy Davies (Composition and a performance with a 1998) was winner of the critical acclaim “Some of the top talent of the future.” noted ensemble, venue or Royal Philharmonic Society festival. Jonathan will write The Times Chamber-Scale Composition for Cheltenham Music Festival, November 2019 Award 2019 for Cave. Described and as RPS Wigmore Hall La Fedeltà Premiata June 2020 as “flawless” by The Telegraph Apprentice Composer, Sylvia Digital Opera Double Bill and “strikingly atmospheric” will write for the Wigmore Hall. “There are no weak links in the by The Times, Cave follows excellent cast, either in technical “This was riveting virtual opera … a grieving father’s quest for – Chris McCormack vocal production or acting chops … No musician or singer had performed survival in a world devastated (Composition 2016) and A hugely rewarding evening, both synchronously with any other, but by climate change. Christian Drew (Composition musically and dramatically.” choruses were taut, soloists were 2019) were appointed to the – Ed Finnis (Composition Plays to See  expressively supported by the LSO’s 2020/21 Panufnik continuo group, and duets established 2013) was featured in the Composers Scheme, with a persuasive dramatic context … The July 2020 BBC Proms, with the opportunity to write overused adjective ‘groundbreaking’ his piece In Situ performed for a world-class symphony for once seems entirely apt. Perhaps at the Albert Hall, with the orchestra. even the so often misappropriated London Sinfonietta conducted ‘world-beating’, too.” by Geoffrey Patterson. Ed See page 70 onwards for further listings submitted this work as part of of Guildhall prizes and productions Opera Magazine his final doctorate submission at during the year. Guildhall.

22 23 Strong bonds UK partners with strategic

partners Partnership and collaboration are central to Guildhall School’s approach to learning and to our organisational development. We enjoy robust core partnerships with five key organisations, and collaborative links with many more. In 2019/20, our objective to develop Culture Mile as a major destination for culture, creativity and learning in the City of London has been a dominant focus.

“There are real opportunities for arranged a soundtrack, performed Barbican Centre Guildhall artists to appear on by Guildhall Session Orchestra. stages at the highest level, where no Our creative alliance with concession is given to the fact that In summer 2020, we were the Barbican is a unique they are students. That is a priceless delighted to celebrate the ten-year collaboration between a world- opportunity.” anniversary of Barbican Guildhall class conservatoire and a leading Creative Learning, a joint arts centre, spanning creative Huw Humphreys, Head of Music, department which pioneers new Barbican Centre and artistic output as well as models for cultural learning across operational efficiencies and joint The Slapstick Home, an event for art forms (see page 36). ways of working. Barbican Cinema in January 2020, In August 2020, we announced a A high point of our partnership is saw musicians in Guildhall’s Jazz new short online course, A Brief the year-round series of Barbican Department playing a live score History of Brutalism at the Barbican, Presents concerts. In October to accompany films from Buster in association with the Barbican 2019, the Australian Chamber Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel Centre. Further information on Orchestra under Artistic Director and Hardy. short courses at Guildhall can be Richard Tognetti returned for As part of the Barbican’s Beethoven found on page 46. their second residency as the Weekender in February 2020, all Barbican’s International Associate 25 episodes of Ludwig, the cult Ensemble at Guildhall’s Milton 1970s children’s cartoon about Court Concert Hall. We also jointly a magical, Beethoven-loving, hosted acclaimed trumpeter and ovoid character, were screened Guildhall alumna Alison Balsom as part of Barbican Cinema’s OBE (Trumpet 2001) as Artist-in- Ah, Ludwig! event, for which Residence for the year. students in Guildhall’s Electronic Music Department composed and

24 25 – In summer 2020, Culture Mile Music Bank London Symphony BBC Symphony Orchestra Culture Mile Play Packs were distributed Further UK partners Orchestra to local families to support The School’s valuable collaboration The City of London Corporation creative activities during and – As part of our partnership with Guildhall School musicians in the BBC Symphony Orchestra is working with Guildhall School, after lockdown in partnership Wigmore Hall, auditions for continued to benefit from Total Immersion days continued the Barbican Centre, London with a huge variety of cultural the 2020 Guildhall Wigmore our rich and long-standing during the year. Students worked Symphony Orchestra and Museum and learning organisations. Prize were held in September relationship with the London closely with composers Detlev of London to develop Culture Mile 2019. The winner was Élisabeth Glanert and Anders Hillborg to between Farringdon and Moorgate, – The Moor Lane Community Pion (Guildhall Artist Masters Symphony Orchestra (LSO). In Garden is a new installation November 2019, we welcomed rehearse and perform concerts of in a multi-million-pound initiative Piano). Élisabeth’s Wigmore their music, which were broadcast to create a new cultural and developed with local Hall recital, which should LSO Conductor Laureate Michael communities and architecture Tilson Thomas to Milton Court on BBC Radio 3. creative destination. have taken place in June 2020, firm, Wayward, using a was postponed because of the Concert Hall for a special event Guildhall’s Creative Partnerships co-design approach. The as part of the School’s Orchestral COVID-19 pandemic and is team takes the lead on the School’s School will run a series of rescheduled for July 2021. Artistry programme. Tilson Royal Opera House work to develop Culture Mile as a poetry workshops with local Thomas, who knew and worked creative destination in the City communities to lay the cultural – Our successful partnership with with Igor Stravinsky, directed In September 2019, Oliver Leith of London. groundwork for a poetry trail in the Academy of Ancient Music Guildhall musicians and LSO (Composition Fellow 2019) was the garden, due to be installed (AAM) continued; although players in an exploration of the announced as the fourth Doctoral – In November 2019, Guildhall in 2021. joint concerts in July 2020 were composer’s Symphonies of Wind Composer-in-Residence at the musicians created an immersive cancelled due to COVID, AAM Instruments and Symphony in Three Royal Opera House, Covent jazz night inspired by the culturemile.london worked with Guildhall students Movements. Guildhall musicians Garden, as part of Guildhall’s Harlem Renaissance as part of via an online project and we also performed in LSO Platforms pioneering doctoral scholarship Culture Mile Nights, the first Centre for Music look forward to side-by-side concerts and Lunchtime Discovery for composers who are working to ever festival to explore the role In March 2020, the Corporation concerts resuming in July 2021. concerts during the year. extend current knowledge in the of the night-time economy agreed to further funding for the – We were delighted to host art form. of the Smithfield area in the next stage of development for the the British Horn Festival in cultural history of London. proposed Centre for Music, a new October 2019 in partnership – In the wake of COVID-19, world-class venue for performance with the British Horn Society. and education across all musical our work refocused to support – We partnered with the British community needs, especially genres, which would play a key role in widening access to music Council for a Russian Song mental wellbeing. In March project in February and March 2020, we worked with Age UK and music education for a new generation of Londoners. 2020, with a concert in London Camden to launch Music Bank, held in tandem with a series of a musical befriending service events by Guildhall musicians for people with dementia, in St Petersburg, as part of the enabling Guildhall School UK-Russia Year of Music. In A musicians to host phone calls Voice Between Nations, we joined with Age UK clients and play forces with St Petersburg State their song requests. The project Museum of Theatre and Music will be expanded in 2021, to revisit and reinvigorate the with ongoing involvement of longstanding fascination that Guildhall students, staff and the UK and Russia share for alumni. each other’s rich culture of – In June 2020, radio duo Hunt song. & Darton created a daily live broadcast bringing the sounds and stories of Culture Mile into people’s homes. The radio programme crowdsourced content from Culture Mile locals, including local news, jingles, quiz shows, restaurant reviews, critics, and many other features.

26 27 inform emerging practice in higher Central Academy of education, culminated in autumn Drama, Beijing 2019 with the publication and Internationalisation sharing of its findings. Our series In November 2019, a cross-faculty of biennial Carnegie Hall concerts delegation from Guildhall visited in New York continued in January China to confirm successful 2020, and we held auditions in revalidation of our BA Acting New York City as usual. Studies double degree programme, delivered in partnership with the Auditions also took place in a Central Academy of Drama in number of Asian cities in 2019/20, Beijing. Twelve students graduated and we plan to travel to countries in 2020; five have secured leading including the USA, Hong Kong roles in Chinese television dramas; and South Korea for overseas three have secured MA positions auditions in 2021, depending on globally; four are in negotiations COVID-19 travel restrictions. with agents. In September 2020, Enhanced investment in digital 18 students began their four-year technology (see page 52) and agile programme in Beijing, and are due adaption of course content enabled to begin the UK portion of their Guildhall to move rapidly into training at Guildhall in September online recruitment and teaching 2021. Plans for auditions for an in the wake of the COVID-19 intake of students in 2022/2023 pandemic, providing broader have also been finalised. international access to learning at the School: – Moving our Open Days online International students: across the year has attracted COVID-19 response potential international students who would not have been able Existing international students at to attend in person. Guildhall showed huge dedication in continuing their studies from – Online events have been well countries across the world when attended; for example, over 30% the School moved to online of the audience for our Digital teaching in spring 2020. The Opera Double Bill in summer School’s admissions team worked 2020 were from outside the UK. hard to ensure that incoming – Moving some of our short students could obtain visas and courses (see page 46) and complete the entry process to coaching and mentoring (see take up places at the School from page 44) online is attracting September 2020, despite challenges increased numbers of such as international centres for international participants, visas and English language testing and will remain strategically being closed for periods of the year significant. due to the pandemic. We have established an international steering group of staff across the School to deliver International strategy ongoing international strategy and momentum, and to ensure Our engagement in that Guildhall remains an open, Entrepreneurial Challenges internationally-focused institution in Theatre Higher Education as we meet the challenges of Curricula (ECTHEC), a two-year Brexit – and beyond – in the Erasmus Strategic Partnership increasingly interconnected world project with European partners of performing arts education. A Journey by BA Acting Studies in the École des Écoles network to

28 29

Junior Guildhall

Helping young CYM London artists find their creative voice

travel for learners at CYM and Ensuring access to arts Junior Guildhall (our London education Saturday School, see page 34) and around a third of students As the UK’s leading provider of outside London receive bursaries or specialist arts training for under- scholarships. 18s, Guildhall is a powerful advocate for the vital importance In 2019/20, we established of arts and music education in the Guildhall Young Artists young people’s development, Transitions programme, which and our provision is strongly seeks to encourage applications to focused on widening access and the School from state-educated participation. Students aged under musicians training at Junior 18 from groups that are under- Guildhall and at our CYMs. The represented in higher education pilot was run online, offering are central to our Access and workshops, Q&As and one-to-one Participation Plan (see page 54). sessions to increase knowledge of the School, its programmes, the Our training is accessible admissions and audition process, regionally through five Centres and student finance – and to raise for Young Musicians (CYMs) (see confidence about applying and page 33) and includes students auditioning. We are delighted that from every London borough and 13 students (59% of participants) 18 English counties (nearly 40% made an application after taking of the total), with some students part in the pilot. Guildhall Young travelling over 50 miles to attend. Artists Transitions will launch At our CYMs, young people from fully in 2021. Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds make up nearly 40% of students in London, 30% in Peterborough and 17% in Somerset. The School contributes to sizable Access Bursaries (see page 56) which support the cost of fees or

31 CYM, which has enabled scholarships from Music Centre Junior Guildhall Centres for Young hundreds of local children to access London to learn ‘endangered Children and Musicians the highest standard of training instruments’ – oboe and bassoon. in music, drama and technical Centres for Young Musicians theatre. Twenty-four young CYM In February 2020, MEI hosted the (CYMs) provide high-quality musicians from the Norfolk Music for Youth Regional Festival, progressive music training for region (of whom 80% are from as part of the UK’s largest youth young people over 900 talented children and state schools) have gone on to study music festival, with 250 students young people at centres in London, music at conservatoires or in from 12 schools performing at Norwich, Peterborough, Saffron higher education. Kings Place, the multi-arts hub Walden and Taunton. Students in King’s Cross. CYMs also provide opportunities follow individual programmes As lockdown proceeded, young of study across a range of genres, for Guildhall School students and alumni to develop as practitioners people were invited to create and 50 250 12 and many create their own music send in recordings of their music, through teaching placements, years of CYM London students performed at the Junior Guildhall students and songs. for a chance to be featured in celebrated in June 2020 performance and a graduate Music for Youth Regional progressed to Guildhall’s #DoYouMakeMusic, an Instagram Festival in February 2020, BMus course Responding to the demands of teaching scheme. In 2019/20, hosted by Music Education COVID-19, all of our CYMs 54 BMus students performed Live session hosted by Islington Islington successfully launched ‘like for and taught at regional centres Youth Council and Jermain like’ online teaching for the start as part of their course. Jackman, 2014 winner of BBC’s of summer term 2020, with over The Voice singing competition. 1,400 students (more than 85% Music makers from MEI created of the cohort) choosing to access 16 submissions, and ten of these an individually tailored online Music Education Islington made the playlist. timetable. We are immensely Music Education Islington (MEI), In summer 2020, MEI hosted an proud of the energy and dedication a pioneering partnership between eight-day music workshop, 11:11 shown by staff in making this Guildhall and Islington Council, Music Makers Lab, as part of important transition, and look entered its first full year of Islington Council’s Summerversity, forward to increasing our reach operation, delivering high-quality which gives young people the and impact through the best in music education and progression chance to learn new skills, develop online and blended music teaching opportunities for 5 to 18 year- talents and have fun. The Lab in the period ahead. olds across the London Borough was led by cellist and kora player In London, online lessons were of Islington. During the year, Tunde Jegede and facilitated by jazz enhanced by a hugely successful MEI engaged with a total of 56 hip-hop poet and filmmaker HKB online gala in June 2020 to schools, and 130 primary children Finn, pop singer Bumi Thomas and celebrate 50 years of CYM received after-school provision at percussionist Mohamed Gueye. Ten London, with contributions from Islington’s two Music Centres. We young people created musical 50 students and distinguished also stepped up our work to deliver material that was performed for alumni. The Foundation for Young alternative activities for schools, parents and carers to close the event. families and young people in the Musicians raised over £156,000 MEI is part of the national Music during this year as part of a face of COVID-19 restrictions, and will continue to collaborate Education Hubs programme funded fundraising campaign celebrating by the Department for Education the anniversary. with Islington Council to ensure that the power of music to support through Arts Council England. Norfolk CYM received a Silver wellbeing for children and young award in the Pearson National people is fully realised in recovery Guildhall School is the UK’s leading provider of specialist arts Teaching Awards 2020 (recognised from lockdown. as the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching training at the under-18 level, with nearly 2,500 students in profession) in the new Impact In summer 2019, MEI was proud Through Partnership category. to develop new orchestras with Junior Guildhall and the Centres for Young Musicians. This year, The award was in recognition secondary school children and of the transformative impact to deliver Islington’s first Music we have continued our advocacy for the importance of the arts of the partnership launched in Camp, a lively five-day course across all education settings, and made important innovations 2013 between Guildhall and the attended by 29 children and City of Norwich School, and the young people aged 7 to 15. Four to our teaching approaches in the wake of COVID-19. subsequent founding of Norfolk Music Camp participants received

32 33 in January 2020. In the same the time, performed a stunning Junior Guildhall month, Julian Clayton and the Mendelssohn violin concerto and Junior Guildhall Junior Guildhall String Ensemble Dvorák romance with the English Junior Guildhall is a specialist Creative presented a superb lunchtime Chamber Orchestra at Cadogan Hall. Saturday School offering concert at Regent Hall. The Brass National Open Youth Orchestra musicians advanced training to young people Band, directed by Spencer Down, aged 4 to 18. Students receive provided an equally dazzling professional music and drama concert soon after, including a new London Schools Learning tuition and often go on to study work for brass dectet by Junior Symphony Orchestra music at undergraduate level. In Guildhall student, Will Everitt. 2019/20, 12 students progressed In 2019/20, pupils from Greater to Guildhall’s BMus courses from In March, Junior Guildhall London played in the London Junior Guildhall. programmes moved online Schools Symphony Orchestra in response to the COVID-19 (LSSO), which is managed by CYM Programmes continued as pandemic, together with the London (see page 33). A number planned for autumn term 2019, majority of entrance auditions of pupils received some form of which culminated in a majestic for 2020. This included the first bursary support, which is vital performance of an American- round of the Lutine Prize (see page to ensuring that entrance to the themed programme by the Junior 74), which saw six talented young orchestra is based on merit alone. Guildhall Symphony Orchestra, musicians gain a place in the final. directed by Julian Clayton, In June 2020, LSSO launched LSSO Resident Conductor, and featuring Torin Christopherson won the ALIVE!, a series of weekly online a remarkable new work, Eternal Under-24 category of the A4 Brass live and archive concerts, to sustain Light, by Jeffery Wilson, Professor Quartet Composer Competition, the performing life of the LSSO of Composition. aged just 12, while Madeleine under COVID-19 restrictions. Grambow won a competition to Rosie Whitfield joined the team perform in New York’s Carnegie as Head of Junior Guildhall Hall. Leia Zhu, who was 13 at

Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning is a joint department of Guildhall School and the Barbican Centre which pioneers new models for cultural learning across the art forms. Our mission is ‘Creative Skills for Life’. In 2019/20 we worked with over 350 partners including schools, community groups and artists and reached approximately 38,300 people (online and in person, with an additional 330,000 through social media campaigns).

34 35

Remi Graves, a Subject to Change: New “It’s everyone’s right Horizons artist to create and enjoy the art they love. I realised this during my time in Creative Learning’s Young Poets programme, which empowered me in a way that I hadn’t experienced before.”

Kareem Parkins-Brown, alumnus, Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning Young Poets programme

programme for schools and region- Celebrating ten years of National Open Youth specific projects co-developed with for local families. Advantages of COVID-19: digital this new way of working include creative skills for life Orchestra partners. The programme is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. innovation increased reach, and the most In 2019, Creative Learning The London cohort of the National strategically relevant blended in- celebrated a decade of collaboration Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO), In 2019/20, we continued our As a result of the COVID-19 person/digital engagement models to support people of all ages and the world’s first disabled-led youth learning partnership with HOME pandemic and closure of the are being explored for the future. backgrounds to develop creative orchestra, added three new full- in Manchester, and developed new Barbican Centre, Creative Learning skills for life. Since 2009, over time members and a trainee in partnerships with the Harlow had to rapidly reimagine its 120,000 people have participated 2019/20, bringing the number of Playhouse in Essex, the PEACH programme for summer 2020. Our in Creative Learning programmes. musicians in the ensemble to 12. West Norfolk Local Cultural Community View programme for Our ten-year anniversary Individual and ensemble teaching Education Partnership, Headway Masculinities: Liberation through celebrations in November 2019 and rehearsal continued online in East London (a charity supporting Photography reached over 1,000 included the premiere of a film by response to COVID-19, with public people affected by brain injury), people in a new digital model, and alumni from the Young Creatives concerts planned for 2021. three new Associate Schools a new artistic commission, Subject programme, the screening of a including a Pupil Referral Unit to Change: New Horizons, offering new film about our work, and the and one of the largest Special a paid opportunity for 12 young publication of Barbican Guildhall Educational Needs and Disabilities creatives to create artistic work Creative Learning: 10 Years National Development Trusts in the country. in response to the world around in Review. The review features Programme them, was published monthly on A two-year postdoctoral fellowship the Barbican’s website and social highlights of the programme’s has been established to deliver extensive work, an essay on the Working with our partners, as well channels. Our Family Film club as local artists, teachers and Arts Barbican Box in all three regions moved online with a series of importance of arts education from for 20/21, alongside partners. children’s author Michael Rosen Council Bridge organisations, the monthly creative workshops for and a new poem from Kareem focus of the National Development families stuck at home and we Parkins-Brown, alumnus of Programme for Creative Learning collaborated with Culture Mile (see Creative Learning’s Young Poets is on supporting local culture, via page 27) to produce and distribute programme. joint delivery of the Barbican Box hundreds of physical play packs

36 37 Leading positive Research cultural change

Research at Guildhall covers the spectrum of disciplines and practices within music, drama and production arts, and is increasingly cross-disciplinary, international, and delivered in partnership. The role of the arts practitioner in society, and the personal and social impact of the arts, are important areas of focus.

– Two new Barbican-Guildhall Highlights, 2019/20 research projects were established: the second jointly – The School’s largest research funded Doctoral Research project to date, Music for Studentship and a new social impact: practitioners’ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship contexts, work and beliefs, (part-funded by the Esmée continued during the year. Fairbairn Foundation). Both are The ten-person international linked to Creative Learning’s research team (from Belgium, regional cultural education Colombia, Finland and the partnerships (see page 35). UK) conducted a scoping study and a survey of music – The School won funding for practitioners in each country, two Early Career Fellowships and a collaborative report was from the Leverhulme Trust: published in the Finnish Journal Transforming the operatic of Music Education. voice (Toby Young) and The flexible text: Reuniting oral – The culminating event of and written traditions in Cormac Newark’s research 19th-century music (Kate project, The Operatic Canon, Bennett Wadsworth). These funded by the Arts and are the first such fellowships Humanities Research Council at the School, and form an (AHRC) was held at the Royal important element in strategic Opera House, and the resulting development of the research Oxford Handbook of the Operatic environment at Guildhall. Canon, featuring essays from 26 international collaborators, was published.

39

Tower Bridge: 125 Years of London’s Guildhall Defining Landmark Live Events

Guildhall Live Events is a growing business unit within the School which creates immersive and interactive digital experiences – from the intimate to the spectacular – for events ranging from largescale festivals to product launches, exhibitions and touring theatre.

Drama-based resources “Students will learn Institute for Social Impact for nursing students techniques that take just two Research A partnership between Guildhall minutes or even 30 seconds, and the School of Nursing at but can make them feel Inaugurated in 2020, the Institute Kingston University to deliver more confident or secure. for Social Impact Research in performances and workshops the Performing Arts reflects the for nursing students across the For example, there’s a video centrality of social impact in the UK has been ongoing since by a composer about how School’s institutional strategy. 2017, demonstrating how sound in a hospital can affect Institute membership grew techniques from performance the way you feel and how to to 37 researchers and artistic training can enhance verbal and develop a way of listening so practitioners during 2019/20, with non-verbal communication in they, or their patients, aren’t four open meetings held during nursing contexts. In 2019/20, the the year to establish future projects. project team, led by Guildhall overwhelmed by sound.” A working group examining Doctoral Programme Leader Dr Alex Mermikides on the drama best practice in evaluating Alex Mermikides, developed two resources for student nurses. socially engaged performing arts digital learning packs in response projects has been set up, with to challenges in nursing and representation on a national care in the wake of COVID-19, working group convened by the which are now in use in nursing AHRC Centre for Cultural Value schools in the UK and Denmark. based at Leeds University. In March 2020, Guildhall Design for Live Performance for both Best Arts and Culture Research Department hosted an Lumiere Festival, Durham programme also delivered a series Programme and Best Collaboration online conference on the use of of Lift Off masterclasses to Media for a Single Event in the Corporate drama in healthcare education, In November 2019, Guildhall students at East Durham College Engagement Awards 2020, which Performance for Care, which drew Live Event’s light tunnel to learn about light as an artform, recognise innovation and success an international audience of over installation, an immersive culminating in the creation of a in corporate partnerships. 400 participants. walkway inspired by the shape of light artwork which reimagined a cresting wave, was installed as the concrete tiers of Durham part of Durham’s Light Festival. University’s Dunelm House. Staff from the School’s BA Video Nurses at Kingston University The project received Gold Awards

40 41 Live Events created Dust, projecting Dust for Love Light Norwich Tower Bridge an array of light particles which anniversary celebrations danced and fought their way Creative across the beautiful ceiling of the In late November and early ultramodern Forum events venue, December 2019, Guildhall in an exploration of the constant Live Events was delighted to shifting of human relationships. contribute to celebrations to mark Entrepreneurs the 125th anniversary of Tower Bridge. Our installation, Tower Bridge: 125 Years of London’s #WeMakeEvents Defining Landmark, showcased From spring 2020, the work of the unique architecture of the Guildhall Live Events was affected Bridge’s Bascule Chamber, the by restrictions on public events vast, brick-lined space that houses in the wake of the COVID-19 the huge counterweights used to pandemic. During the remainder lift the Bridge’s mighty bascules. of 2019/20, the Guildhall Live Our site-specific light and sound Events team worked closely with installation explored the Bridge’s colleagues and students in the place in history and popular Production Arts, Drama and Music culture, and narrated stories of the Departments to realise a range of men and women who have built, innovative production work online, maintained and operated one of the including the School’s Digital world’s most iconic structures. Opera Double Bill. In September 2020, Guildhall’s Milton Court performance and Love Light Norwich teaching space was lit up in red During Valentine’s weekend 2020, in support of #WeMakeEvents, an Love Light Norwich festival international movement calling for celebrated ‘love and belonging’ urgent support from governments in Norwich, the City of Stories. to help the live events industry Video designers from Guildhall survive the COVID-19 crisis.

Creative Entrepreneurs is £6,000 of vital seed-funding for Guildhall School’s business start-up businesses. First prize incubation programme for the among the 2019/20 cohort was creative sector. Since 2013, we awarded to Poetic Impact, a have supported the creation and producing company which works upscaling of over 40 businesses with marginalised groups and spanning performance, socially engaged artists. production, education and digital. In 2019/20 we supported eight We also started development of emerging creative sector businesses, a wider programme of support with three entrepreneurs for creative businesses and receiving bursaries from the practitioners from autumn 2020, Creative Careers programme which will aim to address major run by Barbican Guildhall changes and challenges facing Creative Learning (see page 35). the arts in the wake of COVID-19. The entrepreneurs receive a It will provide practical skills nine-month practical business training led by experts in the field, training with tailored one-to- space for sharing and reflection, one mentoring and guidance, and opportunity to build culminating in awards providing connections and networks within the industry.

42 43 Our work on resilience-building Training courses for creative industry professionals will be further developed in 2021. Coaching and During the year, our Core Skills in Coaching and Mentoring courses “I found the Lockdown Lounge very at Foundation and Practitioner useful and enjoyable. I’ve put some level were oversubscribed. We of the ideas we discussed into action Mentoring delivered bespoke Leadership already and it feels great.” Development Training and a range Participant, Lockdown Lounge of one-to-one coaching services to clients, and launched new courses including Handling Difficult Conversations, commissioned by Research areas the Greater London Authority. Our programmes continued to grow This year saw the completion in 2019/2020, with 143% increase of our research into Leadership in income, including training to for Orchestral Principal Players, staff at Guildhall School valued at which will underpin a new £20,000. Courses were adapted to course, Leaders on Stage, to equip be taught online in the wake of the orchestral session principals with COVID-19 pandemic, and feedback leadership and management has remained positive. skills. Our research leadership was recognised internationally, “Core Skills in Coaching has given with presentations at the 9th me a completely new way to approach International Congress of my work as a teacher, mentor and Coaching Psychology in October pastoral advisor. A hugely inspiring 2019, and at Music & Drama – maybe even life-changing – Education Expo in London in experience.” March 2020. Participant, Core Skills in Coaching & Mentoring for Leaders & Managers

Lockdown Lounge and The Launch Pad: Guildhall Coaching Associates is the only programme for resilience-building for the executive coaching and mentoring within an international creative sector conservatoire. We train professional coaches and mentors, In May 2020, we launched Lockdown Lounge, a series of and combine the transformative power of the performing arts drop-in support sessions to help creative sector professionals build with expertise in coaching to support resilience and change resilience and coping strategies to deal with loss of work as a at personal and organisational level. Guildhall’s coaching result of COVID-19. The sessions received highly positive feedback and mentoring team works with clients in fields including and were refocused from autumn 2020 as The Launch Pad, a space higher education, business, national and local government for freelance musicians, actors, dancers, technicians, creators and and the creative industries. In 2019/20, we delivered training directors to rethink and reframe their future professional life. courses to 104 participants, and developed new approaches A strand of activity for BA Acting students at Guildhall exploring to supporting resilience. techniques to build personal resilience was also developed. 44 45

Short Short courses participants courses

We were joined by From over 251 30 19 participants countries for online Participation Bursaries were summer short courses awarded on short courses through the Participation Bursaries scheme

Spring 2020 in-person evening Nineteen Participation Bursaries Short courses at Guildhall School of Music & Drama open courses attracted 80 participants, were awarded on short courses up the world of the conservatoire to people outside of formal with classes including through the Participation Bursaries Introduction to Acting, Sound scheme (see page 54). learning, enabling wide participation in world-class arts Engineering, Creative Writing and Music Production. From Easter education – and also raise significant income for the School. 2020, our in-person programme of short courses and summer schools New life for an In 2019/20, we rapidly reconfigured our short course offer was cancelled due to COVID-19. ‘endangered instrument’: A refocused programme of Online Oboe Course to increase provision of online learning. online short courses was in place from June 2020, with 18 courses In summer 2020, the Short Courses delivered by August 2020 across team and Guildhall’s Wind, Brass music, mindfulness, marketing & and Percussion Department devised PR, creative writing and drama. a groundbreaking Online Oboe We were joined by 251 participants Course, which was launched in from over 30 countries aged September 2020. Providing three between 11 and 67. months of online tuition to 14 young oboists aged 14 to 19 to We introduced several new courses broaden their musical knowledge in 2020 in person and online: and develop their performance Creative Writing for Performance, skills, the aim is to nurture and A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing secure the next generation of & PR in the Creative Industries, Guildhall oboe students. The Sound Engineering for Musicians, course has received many positive Introduction to Shakespeare: an comments for its enterprising Experiential Workshop, Scene Study, intervention in supporting the and Reading Theatre: a Play a Week. development of young oboists, We also adapted face-to-face courses the oboe being recognised as an to an online format: Drama Summer ‘endangered instrument’ in music Schools, Essential Music Theory, education in schools. Composition, and Music Production in Logic Pro X amongst others.

46 47 Fit for the 21st Century Staff and faculty

The professional experience of teaching staff at Guildhall combines expert insight into craft training with an acute awareness of how to develop young artists, and dedication to excellence in higher education. Senior appointments during 2019/20 bring new strategic capacity to achieve our academic, training and innovation goals.

“I’m looking forward to role of Head of Interdisciplinary taught movement at Mountview Dr Hollie Harding, working with colleagues Staff appointments Practice. Gilly joins the School Clockwise from top left: Academy, Italia Conti Academy, Associate Head of Composition after four and a half years as Andy Lavender, Gilly Roche, East 15 Acting School, Regent’s and students in Production Diane Alison-Mitchell, Rosie Whitfield (Undergraduate) New Work Producer at Leeds University London and Royal Arts, whose work I’ve Andy Lavender, Vice Principal and Dr Hollie Harding Hollie is a composer, researcher Playhouse. An established producer Holloway, University of London. admired as an external & Director of Production Arts and curator of contemporary music We are delighted to welcome Andy, of contemporary theatre, she She was part of the creative team events in the UK and overseas. examiner, and engaging previously an External Examiner has worked across the UK to for the London 2012 Olympic Winner of a Royal Philharmonic with wider developments for Guildhall’s Production Arts empower artists and develop new Opening Ceremony, and recent Society Composition Prize, she is at the School. I’ve been programme, to lead the faculty work, and has delivered training theatre work includes productions interested in looking at different impressed by Guildhall from this year. His distinguished and developed partnerships at Theatre Royal Stratford East and ways of constructing performance with institutions including the the Almeida Theatre. at a distance and it’s great academic career has included scenarios and exploring the impact University of Glasgow, University now to be joining the team.” roles as Professor of Theatre & this has on compositional processes Performance at the University of of York, Leeds Conservatoire, Rosie Whitfield, Head of and audiences. University of Leeds and Birkbeck, Andy Lavender, Vice Principal & Director Warwick; Head of the School of Junior Guildhall University of London. of Production Arts Arts at the University of Surrey; Rosie has a wealth of experience as Professional Services Professor in Theatre at Guildford a performer, teacher and presenter Appointments School of Acting, and Head of Diane Alison-Mitchell, and is a dedicated campaigner Professional services appointments Postgraduate Studies and Dean Head of Movement for music in education. In her during the year include Fatimah of Research at the Royal Central Diane is a movement director and previous role as Director of Awan, Head of the Research School of Speech and Drama. tutor and theatre choreographer Music at Whitgift School, Rosie’s Office; Tony Castro, Associate who brings exceptional insight to educational initiatives involved Dean of Teaching & Learning; Gilly Roche, Head of Guildhall’s Movement training. thousands of young people from and Charles Haines, Head of Interdisciplinary Practice A Visiting Lecturer and Personal the local community. Performance Venues. Collaborative, interdisciplinary Academic Tutor on the MA work is a priority across Guildhall Movement: Directing and Teaching School, and we are proud to at the Royal Central School welcome Gilly to the newly created of Speech and Drama, she has

50 51 Teams, among other options, for A/V facilities: Platforms and software: cloud-based telephony to replace Digital dramatic change connected learning and our desk-bound phones. The School’s investment in creativity Zoom low-latency technology to allow We secured cost-effective licenses synchronous teaching across Guildhall Stream for Zoom for all staff and senior technology campus during the year has Guildhall Stream, which captures students in April 2020, enabling dramatically increased real-time the School’s concerts, performances easy video and audio conferencing, connectivity on campus and to and events on video and was chat and webinars among groups staff and students around the launched in 2018, has proved to of up to 300 people. Zoom’s This year has catalysed a huge uplift in our digital activity, world, as well as enabling socially be an incredibly valuable asset sound features have brought real distanced performances (see page 8 in the wake of COVID-19. advantages to remote music tuition, delivered at great speed, which will serve Guildhall well for for detail). Throughout lockdown, it has and proved vital during lockdown helped us to deliver high-quality when the School’s teaching was years to come. We are now at the very forefront of technology This new technology supports pre-recorded online teaching, as delivered remotely: up to 10,000 the work already undertaken in well as assessment and performance Zoom sessions took place in May for world-class training in performance and production arts. building a world-class Solid State (including final student recitals) and June, with students joining Logic (SSL) analogue mix facility, and student applications, with from around 90 countries. as well as a state-of-the art TV minimal disruption. Around studio control room that permits 10,000 pieces of content were added Sibelius streaming and broadcast from 30 to Guildhall Stream during the year. Sibelius, the world’s best-selling venues and classrooms within the music notation software, is a School. We have also upgraded smarthub core artistic tool for Guildhall’s our control rooms to facilitate During the year, the Performance Music students. During the year, simultaneous live production of Venues and IT Departments we introduced remote Sibelius events including opera and drama collaborated to implement the licensing, which allows students broadcasting. smarthub asset management system, to launch the most sophisticated which enables us to track, loan version of Sibelius, with all and manage stock and equipment features, from anywhere. across our performance venues and Hardware: improved teaching spaces. This has involved agility and access sorting, labelling and tagging a huge amount of kit and adding it Cyber security: Our strategy to provide always- to the smarthub database. Progress added reassurance on, VPN-connected laptops to has been twice as swift as expected, Guildhall staff was well underway with over 14,000 items registered All of the improvements made to when COVID-19 struck, enabling and labelled. The system will go live the School’s digital infrastructure us to provide a fully flexible in 2021, and will be integrated with during the year have meant that working environment by July our student records system (SITS). cyber security is more crucial than 2020, so that all staff were able ever. During the year, we introduced to work efficiently from home. Microsoft Teams Mimecast, a cloud-based email We had also already prioritised Our digital teams had been security platform which uses the access to laptops for disadvantaged conducting Microsoft Teams latest approaches to managing students and those with disabilities, training throughout 2019 with phishing, malware, ransomware, and additional investment ensured some success. The developments of viruses and spam, and have initiated that students with specified 2020 accelerated its use, and it is periodic release of simulated email needs were able to study without now the default communications phishing attacks to random users, interruption from summer 2020. software for the entire School, to help identify candidates for rapid Experimental locker-loan systems, enabling easy and efficient chat, anti-phishing training. We also whereby students tap their security calls, meetings and collaboration. implemented a range of systems, pass on a touchscreen to access a Early in the lockdown period, we including identity authentication laptop for a given time, will be created a range of best practice and access management, to combine 10,000 10,000 installed in late 2020. Zoom sessions took place in pieces of content were policies, such as a Teams etiquette easy access to School systems such May and June, with students added to Guildhall Stream guide including instructions on as Office365 apps, Asimut, eGo, joining from around 90 during the year Rehearsals with low-latency technology how to chair a meeting effectively. Guildhall Stream, Moodle, our countries We are also piloting the use of intranet, smarthub and Zoom.

52 53 “The Scheme has bridged Access and the barrier that I once saw between myself and Participation Guildhall, and allowed me to approach my auditions £45,000 11 47% with so much more in Access Bursaries awarded to 12 UK Supported Application Scheme of the cost cut from our confidence.” undergraduate students from low- participants enrolled on previous Acting application income households undergraduate programmes fee of £66, now £35 A participant describes the impact of the Supported Application Scheme

The decline of arts education – with ongoing decreases In early May 2020, 34 applicants in arts GCSE and A level intakes – means that Guildhall’s Supported Application on the Supported Application commitment to improving access for students from state Scheme Scheme were invited to join a Festival of Support – five days of schools and under-represented groups is more important than Guildhall’s Supported Application online workshops to support skills Scheme launched in July 2019. development and wellbeing, and ever. In 2019/20, we launched our Supported Application Building on existing waivers of provide guidance on studying at application fees for undergraduate Guildhall. Twenty-one participants Scheme, ran successful pilots to test new approaches, and students from low-income were recalled to final round households, the scheme offers auditions; 11 participants received were able to cut our audition fees for Acting in half. advice, guidance and invitations to an initial offer of study on the BA performances, workshops and events Acting programme, with four to eligible young people across the receiving a reserve offer. Feedback UK. Over the year, we saw: on the festival was overwhelmingly positive, with a sense that taking – 100% increase in the number part increased confidence about the of schools, youth organisations audition process. and colleges participating compared to last year, with “I felt equipped with tackling my 50% of referring organisations second round audition. Definitely located outside London wouldn’t have got a final round (compared to one in 2019/20). recall without it!” – 133% increase in supported “It was exactly what myself and applications to BMus my peers needed, especially during programmes. this time, in occupying ourselves, – 50% of initial Acting offers reigniting a drive for acting while made to applicants who had being at home, and also learning benefited from the scheme (an about Guildhall and what it may increase of 18% compared to entail to be a student.” 2018/19). Applicants on the Supported Application – Eleven scheme participants Scheme describe the impact of the enrolling on undergraduate Festival of Support programmes (an increase of

Acting workshop group 10% compared to 2018/19).

54 55

Rin Akiyama, Jane Ades Scholar

“By halving the audition fee, Guildhall are making Pilot projects Acting audition fees a step in the right direction – Monologue Bootcamp offered In February 2020, Guildhall towards telling people of 12 young actors 35 hours of announced that we would reduce all backgrounds ‘This place online group workshops and a the one-off UK application fee is for you too!’ There’s no one-to-one tutorial, equipping for our Acting programmes by doubt that this will help to them with the skills to research, 47% (from a previous £66 to £35) provide opportunities for select, interpret and confidently for applications to study from perform an audition speech. September 2020. Students are not prospective students who – selected on academic qualifications would otherwise have been An innovative online showcase presenting the talent of or previous experience, but on priced out.” participants was developed for talent and potential that is assessed the Young Actors Programme in at audition, and the application fee Paapa Essiedu, actor (Hamlet, Royal collaboration with Theatre Royal contributes to costs of a rigorous who demonstrates an innovative New Jane Ades Ingenuity Shakespeare Company; Press, BBC) and audition process. We also committed Financial support approach (see right). During the scholarship Guildhall School alumnus (Acting 2012) Stratford East, RADA and Young and Talented. More than 100 to increasing the number of cities in year, the first wave of scholarships During the year, BA Technical which we hold auditions. Guildhall’s wide range of under a major three-year grant Theatre Arts student Rin Akiyama industry professionals attended, scholarships, bursaries and from the Leverhulme Trust was awarded the first ever Jane and 12 of the 19 participants This year, 46% of first-year financial awards aim to ensure provided scholarships for 31 Ades Ingenuity scholarship. This were approached by agents. undergraduate Acting students are that students are not prevented learners aged 18 or under at Junior new Guildhall scholarship is for a – The Transitions programme from Black, Asian and ethnically from studying at the School Guildhall and Centre for Young final-year student in any discipline provided opportunities for 22 diverse backgrounds and there because of financial hardship. Musicians, as well as undergraduate who presents a pioneering, Guildhall Young Artists to is a 50/50 gender balance across During the period of this report and postgraduate Music and collaborative, cross-disciplinary learn more about the School, all our courses. Reducing the (September 2019 to August 2020), Production Arts study. approach. Rin, who combines our Music programmes and the application fee and increasing the Western and Japanese traditional audition process through online geographical reach of auditions is 44% of higher education students Access Bursaries totalling around at Guildhall received some form theatre styles in her work, was workshops, Q&As and tutorials. an important step in our ongoing £45,000 were awarded to 12 UK Assistant Lighting Designer for the Thirteen participants (59.1%) work to dismantle the barriers that of financial support, including undergraduate students from support from the School’s School’s Digital Opera Double Bill submitted an application for exist for many in accessing drama low-income households who are (see page 79), which was hailed as 2021 entry, with nine applying school training. Hardship Fund in the wake of the care leavers, estranged from their COVID-19 pandemic (see page 11). groundbreaking in its technical via the Supported Application family, or independent students, ambition and ingenuity. Scheme – an 80% increase on For undergraduate study, our during the year. Participation applications via fee waivers most recent scholarships are the Bursaries enabled 19 young “I feel so honoured to be awarded such from the previous year. people to take part in a range of a great scholarship. I still have a lot to Vanstone Scholarship, established – Beastly Bundle Days in 2018 to support the tuition fees online short courses in summer learn and this encourages me vastly. 2020, and around £140,000 of I’ll make the most of my last year at introduced 28 young people of a student of African, Caribbean, to Guildhall’s Production Arts South Asian, East Asian or South tuition fee support was offered to Guildhall. Thank you.” Guildhall Young Artists, to support programmes via interactive East Asian heritage on one of Rin Akiyama, Jane Ades Ingenuity workshops, culminating in continued music training. Scholar the undergraduate Production a visit to the Beasts of London Arts pathways, and the new Jane exhibition mounted by Ades Ingenuity Scholarship Guildhall Live Events at the to support a final-year student Museum of London.

56 57 Anti-racism

Guildhall School has undergone a period of intense self-reflection during 2020, after Black alumni and students shared their experience of racism encountered during training, following global protests around racism and the activism of the Black Lives Matter movement. Our ensuing pledge to address and dismantle racism at Guildhall is a watershed in the culture of the School, and we are taking rapid, comprehensive action to deliver on it.

Immediate steps were taken to made, and will continue to make, Listen and Learn groups review the students’ complaints Anti-Racist Task Force Equality, Diversity and Acting programme: key staff appointments within and immediate actions procedure (when a student makes a and Action Plan Inclusion Committee and Action Plan, Advisory the Acting programme towards complaint against another student) ensuring a more representative In July 2020, the School brought to improve its transparency; to An Anti-Racist Task Force, new senior role Group, review and staff body. in an external specialist to help clarify guidance about how to including representatives from In early 2021, we will establish training steer us through a number of make a complaint about a member the staff and the student bodies a permanent, robust Equality, critical first steps and to facilitate of staff; to establish a process and the Board of Governors, Recognising that much of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, feedback we received relates a series of Listen and Learn for anonymous reporting of and prioritising those who have to hold the School to account on groups with staff and students. microaggressions; and to increase experienced racism, met three to the Acting programme, we the Action Plan and with ongoing issued an immediate Action The dialogue was aided by the mental health support for Black times in October and November responsibility for addressing all student-led African-Caribbean students through the School’s to develop findings from the Plan specific to that programme. forms of marginalisation and We have established an Acting Society who carried out their own Counselling service, including a Listen and Learn groups into discrimination, as part of the consultation with students, leading reflective group to provide a safe, actionable recommendations on Advisory Group for change, School’s governance structure. We launched a complete review of to suggestions which have proved confidential space to talk about issues including representation, will also appoint a new senior post invaluable. Headline findings from the impact of racism on students faculty, curricula and artistic the programme, appointed an to lead on equality and diversity independent consultant to receive the groups covered areas including within the School and beyond. programming, staff and student across the School. training and support, complaints training, and anti-racism resources. accounts from alumni who policy and processes, resources, These are being developed into a experienced racism during their diversifying the curriculum, and report and an Anti-Racism Action training and produce a report student and staff representation. Plan, to be shared with the whole and recommendations for action School in January 2021 and with on the programme’s culture, and delivery overseen by the Senior have delivered training for Drama Management Team. Department staff. We have also

58 59

Sustainability Development The Wheel and alumni

Guildhall is proud to be the highest ranking conservatoire In the year of COVID-19, our Development and Alumni in the People & Planet University League (which ranks Relations team have worked harder than ever to secure vital UK universities by environmental and ethical performance) – support for Guildhall’s students, our world-class training but we recognise that there is much progress still to be made. and the School’s state-of-the-art facilities – and have been Increasingly, students are driving the sustainability agenda inspired by the generous response. We are profoundly at the School, and enhanced commitment to tackling climate grateful to our wonderful community of donors, alumni, change from the City of London Corporation has boosted Fellows and friends, who have come together to support our sustainability plans during the year. the School at this challenging time.

and continued to upgrade lighting in their part of the School, but the Climate Action Strategy in parts of the School. group provides a forum for wider £1.83m collaboration. 579 37 Guildhall School is governed as a Initiatives such as procuring 100% in generous philanthropic gifts scholarships for undergraduate scholarships for Junior Department of the City of London renewable electricity mean we were received from 524 donors and postgraduate study Guildhall and Centre Corporation (CoL). This central have already exceeded many of for Young musicians relationship helps to underpin our our targets for carbon reduction, Travel survey sustainability – both financially but we look forward to major new and environmentally. In autumn goals and increased action as part In December 2019, the School 2020, CoL launched an ambitious of the Climate Action Strategy in undertook a travel survey among Climate Action Strategy, which the period ahead. staff and students, to provide an will help to guide the evolution of informed baseline for ongoing the School’s approach to tackling action. We found that 18% of staff climate change for the future. and 44% of students cycle, walk or The strategy sets targets including Student and staff run to work; 80% of staff and 56% achieving net zero carbon engagement of students use public transport, and emissions from CoL’s operations by 2% of staff use cars or motorbikes. 2027, and also pledges significant An exciting development during Our first step in response will be to investment. the year has been a growing desire upgrade bicycle parking at Sundial to get more involved in green Court Hall of Residence, while During 2019/20, the School’s action among students and staff. exploring other potential work environmental impact has been far A new informal sustainability in the future, such as cycle training from typical, due to the COVID-19 group, open to students and staff for students and staff. pandemic. However, during the year from both Guildhall and the we developed better control of our Barbican Centre, has been set up so systems for reducing and reporting that everyone can share ideas and carbon emissions, improved our motivation. Many students and awareness-raising on energy use staff already take personal action

60 61 “I’ve been lucky enough and Centre for Young Musicians. to work in media and Guildhall School We know that financial hardship entertainment for the supporters from COVID-19 will affect students A strong into 2020/21 – and our supporters past 15 years, so I’ve Generous philanthropic gifts will continue to make a life- seen many times what a totalling over £1.82m were changing impact in the year ahead. difference great training received from 456 donors during can make to a talented 2019/20. These donations from See page 11 for details of the COVID-19 financial model young person’s future. But individuals, livery companies, Hardship Fund Appeal. that access to training trusts and corporations have enabled the School to provide has to be based solely significant scholarship support to Guildhall School Trust on talent, which is why students as well as to enhance our Scholarships are central world-class training and extend We are delighted to welcome to the Trust’s funding this training to benefit our wider Deborah Lincoln as new Chair Guildhall School’s unique historic diversified its income streams commitment, helping to community. of the Guildhall School Trust, relationship with the City of so that tuition fees, grants and ensure that those from the charity which supports the London Corporation has provided income generating activities Thanks to the generous support of School’s students and projects. diverse or disadvantaged strong foundations for the School’s now make up the majority of its the Albert and Eugenie Frost Music Deborah was Chair of Trustees backgrounds have access Trust, the School benefited from development since the late 19th funding. In addition, the Guildhall at Watford Palace Theatre and is century – and our relationship School Trust provides grants to to everything the School a significant increase in Chamber Senior Vice President, Corporate Music coaching hours during continues to evolve today. the Scholarship Fund and other has to offer.” Communications & Public Affairs, projects supported by philanthropy. the year, as well as performance, International, for Warner Bros, The School operates within the Deborah Lincoln, Chair of the coaching and discussion sessions and brings a wealth of relevant governance arrangements of the The School recorded a deficit of Guildhall School Trust with visiting ensembles. This experience to drive forward new City of London Corporation, of £2.583m for the year ended 31 support is already bearing fruit, connections with our supporters. which it is a Department. The July 2020 (compared to a deficit of with a number of student groups Our warmest thanks School’s Board of Governors £851,000 in 2019). The 2019/20 selected to perform at international go to outgoing Chair Martin includes experts from the arts academic year outturn (total festivals and cultural exchanges at Moore, who will remain closely and education sectors, elected projected balance remaining at the the Liszt Academy, Budapest and involved with the School as a members of Guildhall staff and end of the financial year) was always Salzburg Mozarteum. Patron and supporter. the Students’ Union President. The anticipated to be challenging: The Wolfson Instrument Fund, Board is advised by committees costs were expected to increase which supports gifted final-year for governance and effectiveness; as part of a planned investment finance and resources; audit towards delivery of the 2018- undergraduate students, enabled Guildhall Patrons the purchase of a piccolo, a flute, and risk management, and 2023 Strategic Plan. However, a violin and two violin bows supporting world-class remuneration and nominations, as this was significantly exacerbated during the year, and a series of training well as a reference sub-committee by the impact of COVID-19 on masterclasses for Vocal Studies was and an academic assurance the School’s ability to run short anonymously supported. In 2019, we established Guildhall working group. The City of courses and generate income from Patrons, a new philanthropic London recognises the need for the commercial hire of its spaces programme which underpins the Board of Governors to enjoy and hall of residence during the support for expert training at the operational autonomy. summer. Scholarships School including masterclasses, strands of specialist teaching and The City of London Corporation During 2020/21 the School will COVID-19 has put immense equipment. Patrons are welcomed was the School’s sole funder until conduct a thorough review of financial pressure on students, into the rewarding cultural life of 2006, when Guildhall School was its Strategic Plan, to develop a and the School has seen an Guildhall. This year, our supporters designated as a publicly-funded refreshed business model to secure unprecedented increase in joined us at Guest Nights for Higher Education Institution and ongoing sustainability, and enable applications to its Scholarships The Wheel and La Fedeltà Premiata, began to receive funding from the investment needed to deliver on Fund. Intense focus on fundraising with speeches and displays to the Higher Education Funding its longer-term goals. to meet this need has enabled us bring alive the stories behind the Council for England (as it then to provide 579 scholarships for productions. was). Guildhall is now a registered undergraduate and postgraduate Higher Education Provider with Vivienne Littlechild mbe jp study (supporting 44% of the Our supporters are listed on page 84. the Office for Students. The Chairman of the Board of student population) and 37 School still receives substantial Governors scholarships for Junior Guildhall support from the City, but has

62 63 Financial Higher education profile student profiles

Income £000 Qualifications HE tuition fees 9,585

1,840 Guildhall School Trust Scholarships Qualifications awarded for 2019/20 cycle (as at 28 October 2020) Grants 8,607 Bachelors degrees (including Ordinary degrees) 184 City of London contribution 6,659 Income Masters degrees 145 Income generation and other activities 2,759 Artist Diplomas 7 Guildhall Young Artists tuition fees 3,343 Total 2019/20 336 Total 2019/20 32,793 Total 2018/19 348 Total 2018/19 33,244

Undergraduate student cohort

Programme Total (FTE) Expenditure £000 BA in Acting 66 HE teaching and teaching departments 13,162 BA in Acting Studies 16 Academic services 2,958 BA in Production Arts 113 Student support services 2,620 BA in Video Design for Live Performance 7 Central administration services 4,201 Expenditure BA in Performance & Creative Enterprise 17 Income generating activities 1,482 Guildhall Young Artists activity and outreach 4,357 BMus 442 Premises and residential 6,594 Total 2019/20 661 Total 2019/20 35,376 Total 2018/19 649 UG Disability Total 2018/19 34,095

Sex Disability Ethnicity

Surplus/(deficit) 2019/20 (2,583) Surplus/(deficit) 2018/19 (851)

50% 49.5% 16.9% 83.1% 74.1% 25.4% Male Female Declared Undeclared White Black, 0.5% 0.5% Asian and Other Not known/ ethnically information diverse 64 refused 65 Postgraduate student cohort Under-18s Programme Total (FTE) MA in Acting 15 MA in Collaborative Theatre Production & Design 9 student profile Artist Diploma 31 Guildhall Artist Masters 213.5 MA in Opera Making & Writing 6 MA in Music Therapy 19.5 PGCert in Performance Teaching 5.3 DMus/PhD 35.2 Junior Guildhall Total 2019/20 334.5 Total 2018/19 335 Student cohort 2019/20 Music course 312 Kindergarten, String Training programme and Brass Training programme 238 Drama course 42 Total 2019/20 592

PG Disability Sex Disability Schooling

Sex Disability Ethnicity

42% 58% 7% 88% 33% 51% Male Female Declared Undeclared State Independent 5% 3% 5% Information Home Other 44.9% 55.1% 9.3% 90.7% 75.8% 23.8% refused educated Male Female Declared Undeclared White Black, Asian and 8% 0.4% Not known Not known/ ethnically information diverse refused

Other Bursary/ Ethnicity financial support Programme Advanced Certificate 26 Fellows † 45 54% 39% 84% 16% White Black, Asian No Yes Total 2019/20 71 5% and ethnically Not known/ diverse Total 2018/19 62 information refused † Fellows are students only in respect of their extra-mural tuition. 2% Fellows are shown as headcount. Other

66 67 Centre for Young Musicians Celebrating Student cohort 2019/20 London Centre 428 Norfolk Centre 125 success Peterborough Centre 111 Saffron Walden Centre 146 Taunton Centre 80 Total 2019/20 890

Sex Disability Schooling

53% 47% 8% 92% 80% 13% Male Female Declared Undeclared State Independent 4% 3% Home Not known educated

Bursary/ Ethnicity financial support

62% 30% 69% 31% White Black, Asian No Yes 7% and ethnically Not known/ diverse information refused 1% Other

68

Honorands at Graduation Day 2019. (Top row, left to right) Alumni Deputy John Bennett MBE, Lesley Sharp, Art Malik and Anne McNulty (Bottom row, left to right) Chairman Vivienne Littlechild awards and Principal Lynne Williams

The prizes, awards and roles garnered by Guildhall School alumni demonstrate that our approach to training can lay the foundations for astonishing careers. Here, we highlight major prizes and roles awarded to alumni in 2019/20.

Soprano Alexandra Lowe (Opera Mezzo-soprano Elsa Roux Chamoux Ochoa (Vocal Studies 2020) will Benson Wilson (Opera Studies Osian Gwynn (Vocal Studies 2011) Music Studies 2019) and repetiteur and tenor Damian Arnold (both build on his association with 2019) and William Thomas (Opera was appointed Director of Pontio, Michael Papadopoulos (Opera Opera Studies 2020) joined the Tenerife Opera. Studies 2020), joined English Bangor University’s Arts and R&B singer-songwriter Neo Studies 2019) were selected by the Opéra national du Rhin Opera National Opera’s Harewood Innovation Centre. Jessica Joshua (better known as Royal Opera House as Jette Parker Studio programme in Strasbourg. Three Opera Course alumni couples Artists scheme, receiving vocal Nao) (Jazz 2010), who coined the Young Artists, which supports married in summer 2019: pianists and language training and Miguel Pliego (Double Bass 2019) term “wonky funk” to describe her the development of young artists Soprano Erika Baikoff (Vocal Nathan Harris and Mairi Harris performance opportunities with joined the Monteverdi Choir and musical style, received nominations of exceptional talent. Alexandra Studies 2018) (pictured on Grewar (both Opera Studies 2018); ENO. Benson also played Marullo Orchestras’ 2019/20 Monteverdi for Album of the Year at both the also sang Fiordiligi in Nevill Holt page 69) won the International singers John Findon and Elizabeth in Glyndebourne’s first ever Apprentices programme, and Pop Awards 2019 and the Mercury Opera’s production of Così fan tutte. Helmut Deutsch Lied Competition Skinner (both Opera Studies 2017); production of Rigoletto, while was also a winner in the Viennese Prize in 2019, as well as for Best (Vienna), and joined the and singers Thomas Atkins and William made his debut at the Bass Days competition at the Urban Contemporary Album at the The Bayerische Staatsoper Opera Lindemann Young Artist Elizabeth Karani (both Opera Vienna State Opera as Snug in a Amsterdam University of the Arts. GRAMMY Awards 2020 for her Studio welcomed baritone Development Program at New Studies 2016). We were delighted that new production of A Midsummer Emanuel Oliveira (Double second album, Saturn. Andrew Hamilton (Opera Studies York’s Metropolitan Opera. one of those couples, Nathan Harris Night’s Dream, and also won the 2020), while mezzo-soprano Erika also won the Duo Grand and Mairi Harris Grewar, will be Bass 2018) was appointed Tutti Soprano Samantha Clarke Veronica Dunne International Double Bass at the Flemish Opera Ema Nikolovska (Opera Studies Prize with accompanist Gary working side-by-side, having both Singing Competition in 2019. (Opera Studies 2019) sang the title 2020) joined the Opera Studio Beecher (Piano Fellow) (pictured taken up positions as repetiteurs at (Antwerp/Ghent). role in the Buxton Festival’s 40th of the Staatsoper Berlin, as well on page 69) in the Nadia and Lili the Landestheater Coburg. The Dionysus Ensemble, which Soprano Lorena Paz Nieto anniversary special commission, as continuing her commitments Boulanger International Voice- includes Emma Martin (Violin Georgiana, as well as Musetta in Soprano Harriet Burns (Opera (Vocal Studies 2014) won the as a BBC New Generation Artist Piano Competition, while soprano 1996), was appointed as first ever title of Vocalist of the Year at Opera North’s production of and a Young Classical Artists Clare Lees (Opera Studies 2018) Studies 2020) won the ‘Oh che Ensemble in Residence for The La Bohème. tranquillo mar’ and Recital The LUKAS 2019, Europe’s Latin Trust (YCAT) Young Artist. won a Special Mention in the Commonwealth Resounds. Entertainment Awards. Ema also won the Eugène Vocal category. Prize in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch Zoe Drummond (Opera Studies International Vocal Competition, Richard Watkin (Trombone 2006) 2019) understudied and performed Pannebakker LiedDuo Award at Soprano Mirjam Mesak (Vocal the ‘s-Hertogenbosch International Baritone Michael Daub (Vocal as well as Second Prize in the 2019 was appointed Principal Trombone Studies 2018) was awarded the as Papagena in ENO’s production Studies 2020) will be joining the Wigmore Hall/Independent Opera at the City of Birmingham of The Magic Flute. Vocal Competition 2019. Bavarian Art Prize 2019 in the Landestheater Linz Opera Studio International Song Competition. Symphony Orchestra. Performing Arts category. in Austria, while baritone Jacobo

70 71 Rosalind Ventris (Viola 2011) will and the Opera Prize at the David – Phil Cobb (Trumpet 2009), – Ros Brooke-Taylor (Technical receive a comprehensive career Clover Festival of Singing Singers’ trumpet Guildhall Fellows and Theatre 1992) Principal Lynne Williams, development programme after Platform in Sheffield. Honorary Fellow Richard Tognetti – Helen Vollam (Music 1997), Honorary Fellows – Elmira Darvarova (Violin and Chairman Vivienne Littlechild being selected as a 2019 City Music trombone 1992) Foundation Artist. Baritone Dominic Sedgwick (Vocal Fellowship is Guildhall School’s Studies 2017) was a runner-up in – Jamie Campbell (Violin 2006), highest accolade. Each year, the – Paula Duff, Senior Junior Cem Mansur (Piano 1981) was the 2020 Glyndebourne Opera Cup. violin Board of Governors elects a small Guildhall Administrator appointed General Art Director at Dominic Degavino (Piano 2019) – Matthew Featherstone (Flute number of Fellows to recognise – Shabaka Hutchings (Clarinet Cemal Re it Rey Concert Hall in 2010), flute outstanding achievement or service 2007); see page 20 for Shabaka’s Istanbul. was chosen for the Tillett DEBUT scheme, with performances at – Steven Hudson (Oboe 2006), by past and present members success during the year Oliver Wass (Harp 2017) won the Wigmore Hall and at music oboe of staff, members of the Board – Karen Kerr (Technical Theatre First Prize in the under-28s festivals and concert societies and former students. Honorary 1976) – David Buckland (Music 1977), Fellowships recognise outstanding category, and Lise Vandersmissen around the UK. contrabassoon – Art Malik (Acting 1977) (Harp 2019) won First Prize in professional achievement or service the under-25s category at the 5th 2020 BBC Music Magazine Awards – Tim Thorpe (Horn 2004), horn to Guildhall by practitioners who – Anne McNulty, Careers International Harp Competition in went to tenor James Way (Vocal – Stephen Williams (Music do not have a formal connection Consultant, 2013 to 2020 Slovenia. Studies 2017), baritone Roderick 1982), double bass with the School. – Lesley Sharp (Acting 1982) Williams (Opera Studies 1995) George Tarlton (Guitar 2015) and bass-baritone Ashley Riches – Joy Farrall (Music 1981), clarinet New Fellows won First Prize in the London (Opera Studies 2012) for their roles New Honorary Fellows International Guitar Competition, in the Gabrieli Players’ recording – Lisa Obert (Violin 2010), violin – David Arch (Piano 1984) as well as becoming a EuroStrings of Purcell’s King Arthur; to tenor – Andrew Duncan (Music 1984), – Richard Tognetti, Artistic Artist of 2019/2020, with the Nicky Spence (Opera Studies – Deputy John Bennett MBE, tuba Member of Guildhall School Director, Australian Chamber opportunity to tour Platform 2009) for his performance in Orchestra Festivals around Europe. Janácek’s The Diary of One Who – Emma Tring (Vocal Studies Board of Governors, 2010 to Disappeared; and to Edmund 2003), soprano 2019; Deputy Chairman, 2012 Soprano Lucy Anderson (Opera Finnis (Composition 2013) for his – Jessica Gillingwater (Junior to 2015 and Chairman, 2015 Studies 2018) won the 2019 Young debut album, The Air, Turning. Guildhall 2003), voice to 2018 Singers’ Competition at Bampton Classical Opera, securing a début Dr. Roy Wales (Conducting 1966) More alumni, staff and students with the company. was awarded a British Empire also appeared across the Proms this Medal (BEM) for services to Choral year in orchestras and as members The Barbican Quartet, Music in the New Year’s Honours of technical crew, supporting comprising Amarins Wierdsma list announced in December 2019. soloists and featured performers. (Violin 2015), Tim Crawford (Violin 2017), Christoph Slenczka Awards to student and alumni composers (Viola 2016) and Yoanna can be found on page 23. Drama Prodanova (Cello 2018), won Audience Prize and Third Prize Guildhall at the BBC Proms Awards to Drama alumni can be found in the 2020 Irene Steels-Wilsing Over 100 Guildhall artists appeared from page 16. Foundation String Quartet at this year’s Proms, one of the Competition. world’s leading music festivals, Production Arts The Barbican Quartet (see above) including: and Dominic Degavino (Piano – Jules Buckley (Trumpet 2004), Awards to Production Arts students and 2019) were selected as 2020 finalists conductor alumni can be found on page 19. by the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT), and will receive support – Natalya Romaniw (Opera to build their careers as well as Studies 2011), soprano progressing to the semi-final stage – Manu Delago (Percussion of YCAT 2021 live auditions. 2008), percussion Soprano Victoria Songwei Li – Sir Simon Rattle (Artist-in- (Vocal Studies 2018) won the Association), conductor Osaka Governor Award at the – Susan Monks (Music 1987), 20th International Osaka Music cello Competition in Japan in 2019,

72 73

Student The Guildhall Conchords awards

Guildhall School students consistently achieve recognition of their exceptional talent in a wide range of national and international awards and prizes, and in the roles they win on graduation.

Fellow Jazz Vocal) and Frederick Mark Christian Bautista (BMus Young Artist Platform Award, and Guildhall Prizes Benedict (MPerf Jazz Vocal), Vocal Studies) won the Dvorák Siân was also a runner-up in the Keyboard Chamber music were recognised as the UK’s best Society for Czech and Slovak Music Clonter Opera Prize. Music Gold Medal: collegiate a cappella group in the Prize at the Emmy Destinn Young Ryan Drucker (Artist Diploma Nicholas Kennedy (MMus Piano) pianist Soohong Park International Championship Singers Award 2019. Erin Rossington (MMus Vocal Piano) was selected as a finalist by won First Prize in the Young of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). Studies) won the Lieder Prize and the Young Classical Artists Trust, Scholars’ Chopinological Essay Acting Gold Medal: Liam Bonthrone (MPerf Vocal achieved second place in the Opera and will receive support to build Competition, organised by the Daniel Adeosun Mezzo-soprano Simone Ibbett- Studies) received the Basil A. Prize in the Singers’ Platform his career. Fryderyk Chopin Institute, in Brown (Junior Fellow Vocal Turner Prize from British Youth at the David Clover Festival of association with the School of Arts Production Arts Gold Medal: Karnsiri Prim Laothamatas Matthew Dean Studies) will begin her 2020/21 Opera, as well as the Sadler’s Wells Singing, Sheffield. Erin also won & Sciences season in Porgy and Bess at Vienna’s Dame Hilda Bracket Award for the Bridgend Male Voice Choir’s (Artist Diploma Piano) won in Philadelphia. Guildhall Wigmore Recital Prize: Theater-ander-Wien. his performance of Don Ramiro Diamond Bursary Competition, Second Prize in the Birmingham pianist Élisabeth Pion in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with in which George Curnow (BMus International Piano Competition. The Fibonacci Quartet, Benjamin Reason (BMus Vocal British Youth Opera. Vocal Studies) was also a finalist. comprising Kryštof Kohout Junior Guildhall Lutine Prize: Studies) was awarded New Soohong Park (Artist Diploma (BMus Violin), Luna De Mol cellist Ellen Baumring-Gledhill Zealand’s Dame Malvina Major Fabian Langguth (Artist Baritone Joël Terrin (Artist Piano) was a finalist in the Isang (BMus Violin), Ami-Louise Foundation Arts Excellence Diploma Vocal Studies) won First Diploma Vocal Studies) won the Yun Competition, presented by the Johnsson (BMus Viola) and Kosta Award, and won First Prize in the prize and Audience Prize in the Audience Prize and Second Prize Tongyeong International Music Popović (BMus Cello), won First Association of English Singers & International Johannes Brahms in the Kattenburg 2019 lyric song Foundation, South Korea. Prize and the Audience Prize at the Vocal and Opera Speakers (AESS) Courtney Kenny Competition in Austria. competition (Lausanne University Víctor Braojos (MPerf Piano) won Beethoven Competition for Young Award, with accompaniment from of Music). Joël also won an Oxford Musicians in London. The Guildhall Conchords, Olivia Boen (MPerf Vocal Studies) Second Prize in El Primer Palau comprising BMus Jazz Vocal Jonathan Eyers (MPerf Vocal Lieder Young Artist Platform competition in Barcelona. Studies). took part in the Verbier Festival Award, alongside Cole Knutson students Scarlet Halton, Eliana Academy in Switzerland. Veinberga, Imogen Sleith, Verity (MPerf Piano). Asia Paletskaya (MPerf Piano) Manon Ogwen Parry (BMus Vocal won the Spanish Pianist Award at Poulston, Francesca Raimondi- Studies) won the Kathleen Ferrier Pianist Krystal Tunnicliffe (Junior Taylor, Aitziber Cofre Real and Fellow Piano) and Siân Dicker the Campillos International Piano Society Bursary for Young Singers Competition in Málaga. Paul Reichert, alongside Darcey First Prize, while Leif Tse (BMus (Advanced Certificate Opera Williams-Alleway ( (Junior Vocal Studies) won Second Prize. Studies) won an Oxford Lieder

74 75 Strings Acting Jamal Aliyev (Artist Diploma BA Acting students Emily Fairn, Roll call: Guildhall Cello) won the New York Concert Lucy Mabbitt, Erin Mullen and Artists Guild (CAG) Competition. Eric Fabrizi (BMus Electronic Jamal also appeared as soloist with Music), Andras Jacobs (BA the City of Birmingham Symphony, Production Arts, Costume) and productions and Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Alex Hobbs (BA Production Arts, Northern Sinfonia, among others, Stage Management) won the during the year. OffFest Award for Best Production at Camden Fringe Festival 2019 events Kryštof Kohout (BMus Violin) at the 2020 OffWestEnd Theatre was selected to appear in Red Awards 2020 (the Offies). Note Ensemble’s Digital Noisy Night with Mist, with a composition for Awards to Acting students and alumni solo flute. can be found from page 16.

Wind Production Arts

Marian Bozhidarov (BMus Clarinet) Awards to Production Arts students was a finalist in the BBC Young and alumni can be found on page 19. Musician Woodwind category.

Brass

Harry Plant (BMus Trumpet) was selected as a member of brass quintet, Connaught Brass, for the Tillett DEBUT scheme, with the chance to take part in concert platforms around the UK.

Composition

Awards to Composition students and alumni can be found on page 23.

Guildhall School’s usual buzz of excitement as students prepare for first nights, last nights – and every performance in between – was temporarily silenced in March 2020 as we responded to inevitable restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Here, we list those face-to-face performances, productions and events that took place in 2019/20, as well as

Provok’d: A Restoration highlighting some of the virtual events that superceded them.

76 77 (A recording of the production was February 2020: The Royale The Royale Drama also broadcast online in May 2020.) by Marco Ramirez In the racially segregated America “… oozing with movement and October 2019: of 1905, a Black boxer bids to The Angel Esmeralda Red Velvet flair … This production was truly by Lolita Chakrabarti become heavyweight champion astounding, most of all to think that of the world. Covent Garden, 1833: Ira Aldridge, this group of students wrote, devised a young, Black American actor, and curated it.”  “The ensemble is, collectively and takes over the role of Othello when individually, strong.”  Edmund Kean collapses on stage. @TheatreReviewsUK Morning Star “A compelling and necessary story, “Charged with opinions on female artfully performed and beautifully empowerment, toxic masculinity and February 2020: Earthquakes presented, and a credit to the race, the personalities and voices of in London by Mike Bartlett Guildhall’s faculty.”  these performers shine through … Switching between 1968 and 2525, TheReviewsHub.com The time for change is now and the three sisters attempt to navigate their world will be listening to what these dislocated lives and loves while their October 2019: The Wheel freshly graduated drama students dysfunctional father, a brilliant by Zinnie Harris have to say.”  scientist, predicts global catastrophe. A woman decides to return a AYoungerTheatre.com child to her father, sparking an and adapted from Don DeLillo’s critics and audiences (see page 9 incredible journey across time, February 2020: Gut by Frances Opera short story, music for this new opera for further detail), and redefined continents and war zones. Poet was composed by Guildhall alumnus the School’s approach to virtual When devoted parents leave their Lliam Paterson (Repetiteur 2014), elements in opera and theatre. three-year-old with his grandma, November 2019: La Fedeltà November/December 2019: Premiata by Haydn with libretto by Pamela Carter. Provok’d: A Restoration devised an everyday event turns potentially “The result was remarkable and it is a sinister. This award-winning A pastoral tale of love, sacrifice “… as a score it’s fabulously rich, testament to the skills of the performers by the Company and a sea monster told through Restoration comedy collides psychological thriller asks if steeped in the soundworld of the and the production team that they anyone can truly be trusted with heartfelt and lively music, 1970s … but with an energy and created performances which held one’s with original rap and hip-hop, effortlessly spanning opera seria as a group of actors rehearse period our children. dynamism that speak equally of now attention … Credit to them all for such and buffa. … The staging was way better than a riveting and powerful result.” scenes and question which stories “Thrilling, inquisitive and well-acted deserve to be retold. A vibrant “The cast … boasts many well a lot of the theoretically high-level Robert Hugill, PlanetHugill.com … What an exciting first step into the shows I’ve seen recently.” moment in theatrical history world of theatre for these actors, and developed voices and accomplished collides with a contemporary one they should be proud of.” performances … In the pit, Alice Michael White, Classical Music July 2020: Opera Makers questioning of sexuality, gender Farnham achieves a highly focused Each year, three composer-librettist politics and race. Hackney Citizen and balanced sound from the “There are first rate performances … pairings from Guildhall’s MA orchestra, and the result is a truly alongside the excellent wider chorus, in Opera Making & Writing delightful evening.”  [the harmony singing] is extremely course create 25-minute chamber musicOMH.com tight and accomplished.” operas specifically for first-year musicOMH.com Opera singers. In July 2020, a November/December 2019 virtual version of Opera Makers and March 2020: Opera Scenes June 2020: Digital Opera was broadcast online, performed Classical and contemporary Double Bill and created by Guildhall artists operatic excerpts with piano A 20th century re-imagining remotely. accompaniment, performed by of Purcell’s tragic love story, Dido The Apothecary outstanding singers and repetiteurs and Aeneas, and Respighi’s La bella Clare Best writer from the first year of the Guildhall dormente nel bosco, a witty take on Amy Crankshaw composer School Opera Course. the Sleeping Beauty story, were broadcast in a groundbreaking Eintänzer February 2020: The Angel online double bill. More than 100 Kaitlin Sullivan writer Esmeralda by Lliam Paterson artists across 14 countries and four Aran O’Grady composer continents worked from home (world premiere) I’m Cleaning, I’m Cleaning A girl dies when she enters the ruins to create the components, which were showcased in a 3D virtual Aubrey Lavender writer of a South Bronx estate – or does she? Ábel Esbenshade composer Commissioned by Scottish Opera, Silk Street Theatre. The production garnered excellent reviews from

78 79 Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Songs and chamber music by Classical Music in Barbican Hall. Germany’s most performed living composer, Detlev Glanert, and November 2019: Tallinn his teacher, Hans Werner Henze, September 2019: Rachmaninov, Chamber Music Exchange The Bells; Gershwin, Rhapsody performed by Guildhall School An evening of chamber musicians. in Blue; Duke Ellington, music showcasing Guildhall’s Sacred Concerts (excerpts) collaboration with the Estonian January 2020: Billy May’s An eclectic programme of Academy of Music and Theatre in Big Fat Brass orchestral, choral and jazz works, Tallinn, including works by British Three of Britain’s most celebrated performed by Guildhall Symphony and Estonian composers performed jazz performers joined forces Orchestra & Chorus and Guildhall by musicians from both institutions. to direct the Guildhall Wind, Jazz Orchestra & Singers in Brass & Percussion Big Band in a Barbican Hall. November 2019: Alumni Recital programme including works by Series – Beloved Clara Count Basie and Big Fat Brass by the October 2019: Australian A special concert from award- Chamber Orchestra (ACO) & legendary Billy May. Matt Skelton winning pianist and Guildhall and Mick Foster directed, along with Guildhall Chamber Orchestra alumna Lucy Parham (Piano – Webern, Britten, Vaughan Mike Lovatt, Principal Trumpet of 1989) presenting music by Robert the John Wilson Orchestra and Lead Williams and Schoenberg Schumann, his pianist wife Clara A programme of vibrant contrast Trumpet of the BBC Big Band, who Wieck and Johannes Brahms, with also featured as soloist. in a side-by-side collaboration with extracts from letters and diaries the ACO, International Associate read by Sir Simon Russell Beale January 2020: Guildhall Artists Ensemble at Milton Court. and Dame Harriet Walter. in New York Guildhall School returned to the October 2019: British Horn November 2019: Alumni Recital Festival 2019 world-renowned Weill Recital Series – Guitar Spectacular Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, A day-long celebration with A thrilling evening of diverse music international horn players to present three outstanding for guitar performed by Guildhall musicians in concert. Soohong Christopher Parkes and Richard alumni Marius Gundersen, Isabel Bissill alongside Guildhall horn Park (Artist Diploma Piano), Leo Martínez, Francesco Scelzo and Popplewell (Artist Diploma Cello) professors, with events including George Tarlton. masterclasses, recitals, coached and Julia Raga Pascual (Junior ensembles, exhibitors and an November 2019: Stories of Fellow Clarinet) played music by Beethoven, Debussy and Brahms. both cloistered and in the great city Juliette Bausor flute evening gala. Promoted in Sweet Visions – Song & Chamber states. This programme showcased Visiting artists Juliana Koch oboe association with the British Music by Julian Philips January 2020: Guildhall String the majesty and intimacy of both Kirill Gerstein piano Horn Society. A programme of song and Ensemble – Arvo Pärt, Britten their sacred and profane music. Students were able to learn from Sa Chen piano chamber works in Milton Court a wide range of classical music October 2019: Alison Balsom and Shostakovich Aquiles Delle Vigne piano Concert Hall to celebrate the Guildhall alumna Candida February 2020: BBC Symphony artists at Guildhall performances Richard Goode piano in Gabriel: An Entertainment music of Guildhall School’s Head Orchestra Total Immersion – and masterclasses during the year, with Trumpet Thompson, Artistic Director of Hie-Yon Choi piano of Composition, Professor Julian Amsterdam Sinfonietta, directed Anders Hillborg including: Jimmy Brière piano Guildhall alumna and Milton Philips, in his 50th birthday year, A journey through the exhilarating Court Artist-in-Residence Alison the Guildhall String Ensemble in a Sir Willard White bass-baritone performed by a distinguished programme of musical dedications: world of maverick Swedish Balsom (Trumpet 2001) joined The ensemble of Guildhall School composer Anders Hillborg in a Claire Rutter soprano English Concert to bring alive the Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Joan Rodgers CBE soprano students and alumni. Benjammin Britten, Britten’s concert featuring a varied selection sights, sounds and stories of 17th- of his chamber music, introduced Edith Wiens soprano century London in a theatrical December 2019: Quatuor Variations on a Theme of Frank Michael Chance CBE countertenor Bridge, and Shostakovich’s Sonata by the composer and performed celebration of Baroque music, Bozzini by Guildhall musicians. Kamal Khan conductor/pianist/ featuring a chorus of singers from A concert of new chamber for Violin, Percussion and String vocal coach Guildhall School. works by Guildhall composers, Orchestra. February 2020: Faculty Artist Michael McMahon repetiteur in culmination of a residency by Series – Beethoven: The Last Ido Ariel repeititeur November 2019: Guildhall January 2020: Guildhall Consort acclaimed Canadian string quartet, & Sackbuts – Women of Venice Three Piano Sonatas Ole Kristian Dahl bassoon Symphony Orchestra – Sibelius, Quatuor Bozzini. Guildhall’s distinguished Head Mark Templeton trombone Symphony No 7 and Mahler, The richness of 17th-century Italian musical life supported the of Keyboard Studies Ronan O’Hora Kyeong Ham oboe Symphony No 7 December 2019: BBC Symphony presented Beethoven’s final three Miroslav Petkov trumpet Two radical, late-Romantic seventh Orchestra Total Immersion – composition, performance and piano sonatas in a special concert Los Angeles Philharmonic symphonies, conducted by Thomas Chamber Music & Songs by publication of a significant corpus of music by female composers, to mark the 250th anniversary of Jesper Busk Sørensen trombone Guildhall Symphony Orchestra Søndergård, Music Director of Detlev Glanert and Henze the great composer’s birth. Sérgio Carolino tuba conducted by Thomas Søndergård

80 81 with piano legend Chick Corea, Jazz and is now known as one of Electronic Music Britain’s foremost composers. Supporters November 2019: Girls in Jazz This performance with Guildhall October 2019: Electronic Young female instrumentalists and jazz musicians included a special Music Masterclass vocalists aged 11-18 explored the arrangement of the title track Part of the ongoing series of world of jazz in an exciting day of of Tim’s five-star album Weather masterclasses delivered by Walker, plus his own arrangements and leadership practical workshops and rehearsals Guildhall’s Electronic Music led by some of the UK’s most of Corea’s classic sixties tunes. Department exploring the prominent female jazz musicians. recording and production of electronic scores, this time with November 2019: Guildhall Jazz a focus on sampling techniques. Orchestra with Yazz Ahmed Visiting artists Guildhall welcomed back Students were able to learn from Guildhall Session Orchestra celebrated trumpet player and a wide range of jazz artists at Electronic Music students work alumna Yazz Ahmed for an Guildhall performances and regularly with the professional exciting collaboration with the masterclasses during the year, musicians of the Guildhall Session Guildhall Jazz Orchestra, directed including: Orchestra, an alumni-based by Scott Stroman. ensemble created to perform music Kathrine Windfeld piano produced by the Electronic Music January–March 2020: Guildhall Dick Oatts saxophone Department. Jazz at Kansas Smitty’s Mark Hodgson bass Guildhall jazz combos featured Stephen Keogh drums September 2019: New Music in Monday and Wednesday Ross Stanley piano for Illuminated River performances at cult East London Zara McFarlane vocal Innovative new works by Guildhall jazz venue Kansas Smitty’s. Michael League bass composers commissioned by the Illuminated River Foundation January 2020: Barbican Cinema Drew Gress bass Bill Laurance piano to celebrate the first phase of – The Slapstick Home lighting London’s historic bridges, Live accompaniment for a trio of Steve Argüelles drums Accent vocal group performed by the Guildhall Session superlative American slapstick Orchestra. comedy films of the 1910s and Women In Jazz 20s, all revolving around the Tim Garland saxophone February 2020: Barbican home, with live accompaniment of Jeff Hamilton drums Beethoven Weekender – compositions by Carlos Lopez-Real, Dave Smith drums ‘Ah, Ludwig!’ played by Guildhall Jazz musicians. Nathan Williams bass A screening of 25 episodes of Jim Daus Hjernøe vocal the classic 1970s children’s January 2020: Guildhall Studio Mike Lindup piano cartoon animation, Ludwig, with Orchestra with Joe Stilgoe – Kenny Werner piano revised soundtracks arranged Songs On Film Iain Ballamy saxophone and composed by members of Internationally acclaimed singer, Peter Eldridge vocal Guildhall School’s Electronic pianist and entertainer Joe Stilgoe Ari Hoenig drums Music Department, played by joined Guildhall Studio Orchestra Tom Ollendorff guitar members of the Guildhall Session with his hit show of songs written Larry Grenadier bass Orchestra, to help bring Ludwig for and inspired by some of the Jovino Santos Neto piano (a magical, egg-shaped, Beethoven- greatest films of the last century. Tom Rainey drums loving being) and Beethoven Winston Clifford drums himself to a new generation. January 2020: Guildhall Jazz Marc Copland piano Orchestra with Tim Garland Jakob Bro guitar Since graduating, GRAMMY Kevin Fox vocal Award-winning saxophonist and Alvin Chea vocal Guildhall alumnus Tim Garland (Music 1989) has played with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, led the group Lammas and the Dean Street Underground Orchestra, and formed a 17-year connection

82 Our supporters Patron, Board of Governors and

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is exceptionally grateful to Senior Leadership its family of supporters, who make an invaluable contribution to the life of the School.

The Worshipful Company Steven Gietzen, elected by Vice-Principal & Director of Exceptional Giving Major Benefactors of Cordwainers Patron the administrative staff Innovation and Engagement (£100,000+) (£10,000+) The Worshipful Company (from July 2019) Sean Gregory of Grocers The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of the Neil Greenwood (from April 2020) The late Mme Gita de la Fuente Rose Ades, in memory of her sister The Worshipful Company City of London Paula Haynes (from April 2020) Director of Guildhall Young The Leverhulme Trust The Behrens Foundation of Horners Michael Hoffman (until Feb 2020) Artists & Safeguarding Ms Elmira Darvarova The Worshipful Company Ann Holmes Alison Mears Mark Dixon & Giulia Nobili of Innholders Chairman of the Board of Jeremy Mayhew Founding Corporate The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust The Worshipful Company Governors David Muncey, as President Secretary & Dean of Students The Drapers’ Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers of the Students’ Union Katharine Lewis Partner Albert & Eugenie Frost Music Trust The Worshipful Company of Vivienne Littlechild MBE Alderman William Russell The Girdlers’ Company Weavers Andy Taylor, elected by the Chief Operating Charitable Trust academic staff & Financial Officer The Haberdashers’ Company Our gratitude extends to all our Deputy Chairman of the Lynne Williams, Principal Sandeep Dwesar Mr Peter & Mrs Pauline Halliday donors and legacy pledgers not The Josephine Hart Poetry listed here, as well as those who Board of Governors Director of Buildings Foundation wish to remain anonymous. Graham Packham Senior Leadership & Operations The Headley Trust Jonathon Poyner The late Mr George Law Principal Leadership Giving London Symphony Orchestra Lynne Williams AM The late Ms Anne Naysmith Board members (£25,000+) Ninety One George Abrahams Vice Principal & Director Anonymous, in memory The Sidney Perry Foundation Munsur Ali (from April 2020) of Music of Jane Ades The late Mr Irving Stanley Randall Anderson Jonathan Vaughan The Amar-Franses & Rappaport Deputy David Bradshaw Foster-Jenkins Trust The Rothschild Foundation Natasha Bucknor (from Nov 2019) Vice Principal & City of London Education Board Mitzi Scott Rabinowitz Deputy Michael Cassidy (until Director of Drama The late Sally Cohen Dr Michael Shipley and April 2020) Orla O’Loughlin Photo credits The Fishmongers’ Company Mr Philip Rudge Deputy John Chapman Mark Allan, Clive Barda, Mihaela Norman Gee Foundation The Skinners’ Company – Professor Geoffrey Crossick Vice Principal & Director Bodovic, Dave Buttle, Paul Cochrane, Em Davis, Hugo Glendinning, Philippe The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity Lawrence Atwell’s Charity Professor Maria Delgado of Production Arts The South Square Trust Andy Lavender Gontier, Pierrick Guidou, Joseph Lynn, The Leathersellers’ Company Marianne Fredericks Hayley Madden, Lee Mawdsley, Matthew The Wolfson Foundation The Worshipful Company Shreela Ghosh (from August 2020) Moore, Sophie Mutevelian, Ben Roost, Henry Wood Accommodation of Carpenters Phil Sharp, Timothy Soar, Faye Thomas, Trust and Clive Totman.

84 85 Guildhall School is provided by the City of London as part of its contribution to the cultural life of London and the nation.