The Conservatoire has taught music and art in Blackheath since 1896. Lunchtime concerts, student exhibitions and A Christmas Carol are coming up.
The Blackheath Conservatoire has been teaching music and art since 1896, serving Lewisham and Greenwich. It runs more than 800 classes a week, taught by over 130 professional artists and musicians, for everyone from babies at six months to adults, and from complete beginners to those heading for a professional level.
It began as a genuine community project. Local residents bought shares to fund the building of the Conservatoire of Music, which opened in 1896, and the School of Art a year later. Together with neighbouring Blackheath Halls, the buildings form the oldest surviving purpose-built arts complex in London.
Children move from Discovery and Foundation classes into lessons, choirs and ensembles, while adults come for lifelong learning, with many art classes offering drop-in options. Its main entrance is step-free, with wheelchair-accessible teaching spaces.
You can support it by joining a class, coming to an event or donating. Here's what's on:
Friday 6 November, 1.30pm: lunchtime concert, Upstairs, Downstairs, songs from opera and musical theatre
Friday 13 November, 1.30pm: lunchtime concert with the Holtág Quartet
Sunday 29 November, 2pm to 4pm: Children's Art Exhibition
Friday 4 December, 5pm to 8pm: Adult Art Showcase
Sunday 13 December, 2pm and 3.30pm: A Christmas Carol, Scrooge's Journey, a family concert
Find out more
Our listing: The Conservatoire
The Conservatoire: conservatoire.org.uk
Events: conservatoire.org.uk/events
Community Spotlight
Support The Conservatoire
Find out how to volunteer, donate or visit on their own website, and see opening times and contact details on our listing.
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