Collaborative Programmes
All of our work at Guildhall is shaped by collaboration. We collaborate internally across disciplines and departments, and with many external organisations.
Who we work with
We are especially proud to have established core partnerships with five organisations which contribute significantly to our programmes of study. Through these unique partnerships you will meet some of the world’s most renowned artists, experience some of London’s finest venues, and receive the very best preparation for your chosen career.
Barbican Centre
The Barbican is an international arts and learning centre that pushes the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts.
Situated next to Guildhall School, it houses a concert hall, two theatres, two galleries, three cinemas, a glasshouse conservatory and a library. Our unique collaboration between the Barbican and Guildhall School will provide you with exceptional learning opportunities, including masterclasses, projects with the Barbican’s international Associate ensembles, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic (International Orchestra Partner), Australian Chamber Orchestra (International Associate Ensemble at Milton Court) and Jazz at Lincoln Center (International Associate Ensemble), and the chance to perform or have student work performed at the Barbican.
The Barbican’s popular Young Barbican scheme offers all Guildhall students discounted access to unmissable art and entertainment as well as exclusive events and creative opportunities.
London Symphony Orchestra
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is Resident Orchestra at the Barbican, with a roster of soloists and conductors who are second to none.
An integral partner of Guildhall School for many years, the LSO helps to deliver the Orchestral Artistry specialism within our Masters programme, an exciting course of study for instrumentalists seeking a career in orchestral playing, and provides many performance opportunities for Guildhall students. In 2017, the LSO’s Music Director Sir Simon Rattle became Artist in Association at Guildhall School.
BBC Symphony Orchestra
The BBC Symphony Orchestra is one of the UK’s finest orchestras, performing extensively as an Associate Orchestra of the Barbican and forming the backbone of the BBC Proms. Guildhall musicians play a significant role in the Orchestra’s Total Immersion series, which celebrates the work of contemporary composers; performances are often broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and receive high critical praise.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is home to the Royal Opera, one of the world’s leading opera companies, renowned for its outstanding performances of traditional opera and its exciting commissions of new works. The Royal Opera House and Guildhall collaborate on two areas of study in contemporary opera making: the MA in Opera Making and Writing and a studentship which appoints one doctoral student as Composer-in-Residence at the Opera House for a period of three years.
Academy of Ancient Music
Through our partnership with the Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), one of the world’s leading period instrument ensembles, we are responding to the needs of the next generation of performers. AAM, who are an Associate Ensemble at the Barbican and perform part of their season at Milton Court, offer side-by-side performances, masterclasses, access to rehearsals, and a wealth of online resources – invaluable learning opportunities for students who require fluency in multiple performing styles.
We also work with a number of other organisations on projects and performances throughout the year, for example the London Contemporary Dance School, École des Écoles, and Wigmore Hall.
