Milton Court 10th Anniversary
Join Guildhall School of Music & Drama and friends this autumn as we celebrate Milton Court’s 10-year contribution to the cultural life of the School, the Barbican and London, and look forward to its future.
Introduction
Milton Court opened its doors in 2013, adding three world-class venues to Guildhall School’s existing facilities. Extraordinary performances take place in the building’s Theatre, Studio Theatre and Concert Hall – the largest conservatoire concert hall in London, showcasing state-of-the-art acoustics and technical facilities.
Barbican associate ensembles regularly appear on the Milton Court stage, including the Britten Sinfonia, Academy of Ancient Music and Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Barbican’s International Associate Ensemble at Milton Court.
Each year an eminent musician is celebrated as Milton Court Artist-in-Residence, currently clarinettist Anthony McGill, who follows recent residencies by baritone Roderick Williams (2018–19), trumpeter Alison Balsom (2019–20) and percussionist & Djembe player Yahael Camara Onono (2022–23).
10th Anniversary season highlights
Here are some highlight events of our 10th anniversary season including performances by Barbican associate ensembles, the Britten Sinfonia and Academy of Ancient Music, and Milton Court Artist-in-Residence, clarinettist Anthony McGill.
Milton Court stories
Hear from those involved in Milton Court's creation and senior staff members as they tell us how the building came to be, and their favourite memories of this unique space.
Alumni stories
Drama Graduate and 2023 Acting Gold Medal Winner, Abdul Sessay reflects on the part Milton Court played during his time with the School.
Music Graduates Soohong Park (2020 Music Gold Medal Winner) and Erika Baikoff discuss one of the unique reasons Milton Court is so special to them
Production Arts Graduate, Em Davis, discusses how studying in Milton Court gave her the skills to pursue a career in film.
Production Arts Graduate, Tash Holdaway explains how the facilities at Milton Court measure up to those out in the industry.
Music Graduate Thomas Nielsen joined Junior Guildhall at 14, before progressing onto a BMus (Hons). Thomas reflects on how this prepared him for his career as Co-Principal Trumpet for London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Words from alumni & friends
Milton Court Concert Hall is a beautiful space, both to look at and to hear. Hearing a classical orchestra in there reminded me of the sound of Vienna’s Musikverein, especially with regard to the resonance of the bass frequencies. Added to this are the possibilities to adjust the acoustic; how the various acoustic reflectors and banners make such a dramatic difference to the sound. It’s a stunning achievement.
Thomas Adès CBE FGS, Piano, Opera & Percussion 1989 (on the opening of Milton Court in 2013)
Perhaps something that is overlooked are the really wonderful dressing rooms with a piano in each room. That is so important to have the foundation backstage in a very welcoming and motivating space, that allows you to prepare for your best performance. Now that I’ve been working a few years, you really don’t find that very often.
Erika Baikoff, Vocal Studies 2018
I had the idea to record my last album here because of the wood, the warmth, the size of the acoustic – it’s got a blossom and bloom to the sound. It’s a small enough hall to have a relationship with the audience, yet there’s enough space for an electric atmosphere. Milton Court is a really valuable addition, not only to these incredible talented students, but also for this area of London – it feels like a genuinely modern, creative, exciting place to be.
Alison Balsom OBE FGS, Trumpet 2001
Academy of Ancient Music was privileged to be one of the first ensembles to perform regularly in Milton Court when the hall opened in 2013. Ten years, more than 50 concerts and tens of thousands of audience members on we’re still grateful for the opportunity to make music in what must be classed as one of London’s – and the UK’s – finest venues. Congratulations on a fantastic first decade, Milton Court, and here’s to many more music-filled years to come!
Academy of Ancient Music
My time at Guildhall, in particular Milton Court, really helped prepare me because of the facilities we have on offer. Being able to have a balance of a studio space and then the Theatre that’s fully automated, really does prepare you for the industry. You feel like you can just walk out of here straight into a job. No matter what venue you go into, no matter what size.
Tash Holdaway, Stage Management 2019
During my time as an undergraduate, and at Junior Guildhall, Milton Court played a massive part for me. Some of my earliest memories are of concerts with the Junior Guildhall Brass Band and Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra in Milton Court. Then later, with the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra, especially when they used low latency technology. It was certainly something that equipped me going forward, in terms of how to play in a bigger space, being filmed and being recorded.
Thomas Nielsen, Trumpet 2022
All of us at Britten Sinfonia love Milton Court. Its size and the clarity of its acoustic is perfect for all the different kinds of music we’ve performed in there over the last decade. It’s warm, welcoming and beautifully woody. Happy 10th Birthday!
Meurig Bowen, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of Britten Sinfonia
It’s very important for students to perform in different venues because it’s the only way you learn to adjust yourself to the new acoustics. I found Milton Court Concert Hall perfect for solo recitals or even chamber music. Its acoustics allow you to explore new sound and sometimes I was able to create some moments that were beyond my imagination.
Soohong Park, Piano 2019
This place, this whole building, is dedicated to furthering your development, your artistry, and whatever you want to do or be. I don’t know how much better it gets than being in spaces like this – it’s like being in the West End. As a student, I felt that, if I can perform here, I can do it anywhere. It instils confidence in you.
Abdul Sessay, Acting 2023
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Take Your Seat
Celebrate Milton Court’s 10th Anniversary and support the next generation of talented performers and production artists by dedicating a seat in Milton Court Theatre or Concert Hall.
Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion, your passion for the arts, a connection with the School, or to remember a loved one, by dedicating a seat you are supporting the next generation of talented, emerging artists.