Co-Curricular: Music at Whitgift
Whitgift's vibrant, cosmopolitan location, set in some of the most beautiful grounds in Surrey and with buildings rich in cultural heritage, creates the perfect environment for this first-class music department.
With a number of outstanding performing venues including a Concert Hall renowned for its superb acoustic, a versatile Performing Arts Centre and a Recital Room overlooking an oasis of wildlife housed in an exquisite central quadrangle, the department is renowned for its extensive facilities, inspirational teaching and impressive results.
Whitgift’s outstanding International Music Competition has established long-lasting links with music schools around the world. In the inaugural competition in 2013, many talented young musicians took part hoping to win prizes that included an education at the School, and solo performance opportunities with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
A new Steinway Grand Piano in addition to our Fazioli ensures our many pianists are able to perform a wide range of repertoire on world class instruments. With regular masterclasses and recitals taking place at the school, Whitgift continues to attract distinguished musicians such as Janina Fialkowska, Sir James Galway, Tasmin Little, Sir Willard White CBE, the Maggini String Quartet and Remus Azoitei.
Many students go on to study music at Conservatoire or University level, and Choral Scholarships are regularly awarded to Whitgiftians by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Whitgift musicians have gone on to become professional musicians and notable composers, the most distinguished being the acclaimed young composer, Tarik O'Regan, who recently composed both a chamber and orchestral arrangement of his opera ‘Heart of Darkness’, premiered by Whitgift pupils in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Regular concerts take place in major London venues, such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, St John's Smith Square, Westminster Central Hall, Southwark Cathedral and Cadogan Hall; other important venues include Goodwood House, The Royal Pavilion Brighton and Addington Palace as well as regular performances in Croydon's own Fairfield Halls.
Numerous orchestras, ensembles and choral groups exist for all levels of ability with all new boys to the First Form (who don’t already play an orchestral instrument) offered a free taster term of instrumental lessons.
The Whitgift Chamber Orchestra brings together young musicians from schools across South London, offering exciting high-level performance opportunities in partnership with professional musicians. The orchestras and choirs tour regularly, visiting countries such as Japan, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Italy.
A unique partnership exists with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra bringing additional performance opportunities, masterclasses and other important links.
With so many unique opportunities to reach the highest level of musical excellence there is no doubt that Whitgift music department is one of the finest in the country.