Recent student and staff successes at Guildhall School

Current students in the Fibonacci Quartet have been selected as artists for the prestigious Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) following live Public Final Auditions at Wigmore Hall. In winning a highly sought-after place on YCAT’s roster they will receive high-profile performance opportunities in the UK and internationally, strategic career planning and mentoring, and professional publicity support.

Fibonacci Quartet member Kryštof Kohout (MMus Violin) was also selected to join the Classeek Ambassador Programme 2024-25 in Switzerland, a dedicated career enhancement programme for young musicians providing performance opportunities and professional development support.

Alec Boaden (BA Acting) is performing at the Nottingham Playhouse in the world premiere of Punch, by acclaimed playwright James Graham.

Enyi Okpara, 2023/24 Conductor in Residence with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, has been announced as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO)’s Calleva Assistant Conductor ahead of its 2024/25 season. Enyi was selected by a vote of BSO’s musicians, following two days of auditions with eight finalists competing for the position.

Spencer Klymyshyn (Art Dip Piano) was recommended by the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom to perform at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey. Spencer performed to a 2,000-strong congregation include Senior Members of The Royal Family, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, High Commissioners and senior politicians and dignitaries from across the UK and the Commonwealth. Spencer’s performance was broadcast live on BBC One, BBC World Service and the BBC’s YouTube channel (where it is still available to watch).

Jasmine Meaden (BMus Film Music) was commissioned to write music for Homebase’s new TV advert.

Myunghan Kim (MMus Piano) won the Beethoven Piano of Europe’s Senior Intercollegiate Piano Competition 2024, held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. 

Karima El Demerdasch (MMus Opera Studies), Mariana Fernandes (Art Dip Opera Studies) and Steven van der Linden (MMus Opera Studies) performed in the final of the renowned Kathleen Ferrier Awards at the Wigmore Hall.

Roberta Philip (MMus Vocal Studies) and alumna and staff accompanist Riho Akagi (Piano 2020) were awarded first prize in the Edith Poulsen Singing and Accompanists’ Prize Competition. 

Nathaniel Turay-Boxx (BA Acting) came third place in The Concert Artistes' Association Speech Prize for Actors 2024.

Kosuke Shirai (BMus Clarinet) won third prize in the Wind and Brass category of the Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition.

Lara Ali (BMus Flute) was winner of the Guildhall Flute Prize, sponsored by Just Flutes.

Henry Ward (BMus Horn) was winner of the Armourers and Brasiers’ Brass Prize.