Image credit Camila Pastorelli
In April 2021, the renowned venue, St John’s Smith Square, merged with the much-loved Southbank Sinfonia to become one organisation. Now, in June 2024, the merged organisation is relaunching as Sinfonia Smith Square encompassing the best of both organisations.
Dedicated to enriching lives through music, they offer collaborative partnerships to nurture and support emerging artists and a platform for world – class performers to showcase their talent.
Image credit Joseph Lyn 22
On the evening of the launch, we were treated to a feast of enthusiastic musical excellence in a thrilling concert, given by a young orchestra of exceptional talent at St John’s, a church built in 1728, and which held the funeral of Emmeline Pankhurst in1928. Then, seemingly, disaster struck when it was bombed in May 1941. It was, however, then rebuilt as a purpose-built concert hall in 1969 boasting amazing acoustics.
Sinfonia Smith Square is a beacon for the future of classical music; a forward- thinking organisation that aims to enrich lives through the universal power of music, alongside supporting exciting cultural initiatives for the enjoyment of the widest possible audiences.
They will continue the long – established and much – loved favourites of the orchestra’s programme and the Smith Square concert calendar, while retaining their renowned seasonal festivals throughout the year. However, alongside hosting world – class ensembles, Sinfonia Smith Square will continue to champion emerging artists and embed its Fellowship at the heart of all its programming.
They are delighted that Her Majesty Queen Camilla has agreed to remain as their royal patron, while entering a new creative era with the orchestra’s founder, Simon Over, recently appointed as Artistic Director.
Sinfonia Smith Square is a place of joy and discovery, which was certainly true of my experience. How had I not been here before? Never mind, I will certainly be getting on their mailing list because they have a fantastic programme (including the Messiah in December) and only a 10-minute walk from Westminster Underground Station.
Sinfonia Smith Square Smith Square Hall London W1P 3HA
Website www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk
Twitter @sinfoniasmit @smithsquarehall
Instagram @sinfoniasmithsq @smithsquarehall
Facebook @sinfoniasmithsquare