Turner Sims at 50
The end of 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the University’s iconic music venue, Turner Sims.
Opened at Highfield campus in November 1974, the venue has played an influential role in the culture of the city and wider region. Perhaps it played a part in your own Southampton experience, too.
Even in today’s world of on-demand entertainment, audiences travel miles to experience the joy of live music.
“Turner Sims always delivers top quality performances. It’s an absolute jewel.” Turner Sims Audience Member
By day, the venue plays host to our music department, an opportunity students rarely experience outside of elite conservatoire settings. Through engagement programmes, such as The Vibe and Future Producers, students can also gain music industry experience working alongside the Turner Sims team.
By night, audiences pack the 365-seat auditorium – lauded for its world-class acoustics – to hear emerging artists and renowned musicians perform everything from classical and jazz to folk and global music.
Alongside its artistic reputation, Turner Sims is gaining recognition for its welcoming and inclusive approach. Director, Louise Coysh, explains: “Turner Sims has long been known for the quality of its programme. We’re also a vibrant part of life in the region. 83% of audiences say attending performances here increases their sense of wellbeing. In recent years, we have widened access to live music. Young people and community groups have reported increased confidence, happiness, and belonging due to our engagement programmes. We are growing into an inclusive hub for music, creativity and joy.”
“Thank you to Turner Sims and its funders – it makes a real contribution to our quality of life here in Hampshire.” Turner Sims Audience Survey Response
Made possible by a generous gift
If it wasn’t for a gift left by Miss Margaret Grassam Sims in her will in 1967, Turner Sims wouldn’t be here today. Turner Sims was named after Margaret’s brother, Edward Turner Sims, a man known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Louise says: “We hope Margaret would be delighted that Turner Sims has become a space where people connect through a shared enthusiasm for music. And that our team, who are often told we punch above our weight, live and breathe that same boundless energy to enhance life in the city.”
Margaret’s generous spirit of giving has inspired many more subsequent donations, enabling an auditorium refurbishment in 2014, a new lighting rig last year, and exciting artist commissions.
50 years of music
1974 – The Official Opening
On 19 November 1974, the hall was officially opened with a recital by soprano Elisabeth Söderström and pianist Margaret Kitchin. Since then, the Turner Sims stage has been graced by music legends such as Alfred Brendel and Dave Brubeck, and rising stars including a 20-year-old Simon Rattle.
1976 – A piano partnership
On 19 November 1976, Leeds International Piano Competition winner Dmitri Alexeev performed at Turner Sims. He was the first of many competition winners to visit as part of a partnership that continues to this day, with pianists including Federico Colli (pictured) who performed in our 50th anniversary concert.
1984 – Turner Sims turned 10
On 22 November 1984, The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields performed at the 10th Anniversary Concert directed by Iona Brown. Their programme included Mozart’s symphony No.1 in E flat and Violin Concerto in G, alongside works by Britten and Haydn.
1994 – The foyer opened
In January 1994, the new foyer opened. It was intended for informal concerts, workshops, lecture/recitals, pre-concert talks, jazz evenings and exhibitions.
2008 – Inaugural Steinway recital
On 30 September 2008, Radu Lupu gave the inaugural recital on the new Steinway D concert grand.
2010 – An honour for Courtney Pine
On 15 July 2010, the University awarded Courtney Pine an honorary degree of Doctor of Music at Turner Sims.
2012 – A world premiere and a musical alphabet
On 5 February 2012, we premiered Spinal Chords by composer Sally Beamish with words by Melanie Reid. The performance by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was narrated by Juliet Stevenson. On 3 and 4 March, as part of London 2012’s Cultural Olympiad, Southampton’s Musical Alphabet weekend saw 50 events and 500 performers entertain 2500 people in 23 venues across the city.
2014 – A big birthday gift
A timely and greatly appreciated anonymous donation enabled us to refurbish the auditorium in the summer of 2014.
2024 – 50th Anniversary live premiere
On 19 November 2024, the 50th anniversary concert ended with a heartfelt standing ovation for the live premiere of Tunde Jegede’s Voyages of the Heart. The magnificent work was originally commissioned by Turner Sims and Southampton City Council as part of the Mayflower 400 programme in 2020, but was only ever broadcast online due to the pandemic. The 50th provided the perfect opportunity for the live premiere it deserved. Featuring an extraordinary ensemble of over 20 Southampton musicians, the performance celebrated Southampton as a city and community built on journeys and migration.
The next 50 years
Speaking of the next 50 years, Louise Coysh said: “Incredible music will always be at the heart of Turner Sims. Over the next few years, we aim to grow our engagement offer and create sustained programmes with local communities. We’re welcoming new voices to perform with us and, in doing so, enabling young people to gain skills and employment. With the support of generous donors, we hope to improve access and sustainability within our building. This is all part of our long-term ambition to enable the widest possible audience to experience the joy of live music at Turner Sims.”
