Central to the ethos of the School is a love of the arts, and it is in our charitable aims that we support and nurture arts and sciences through lectures, seminars and concerts.
Music at Mandeville Place and beyond
The School has a vibrant and passionate music faculty. In 2019 there are already planned Come & Sing days and rush-hour recitals; further details can be found on our Events page.Our choir Discantvs is open to those in the School and beyond, meeting weekly and putting on regular performances.
The Arts
Until 2016, every July up to 400 artists, crafters, performers and musicians gathered together in Waterperry Gardens to demonstrate their skills and show their work. You could watch the potter pot, the painter paint and the sculptor sculpt. You could ask the masters of the arts of jewellery, textiles, woodwork and glassblowing about the secrets of their craft. In the ever popular Practical Classes section, you could have a go yourself at the art or craft of your choice with the guidance of an expert teacher.
In 1977, 51 artists and musicians took part in the first Art in Action and 14,000 visitors arrived. In 2016, Art in Action welcomed approximately 28,000 people over four days. Visitors came to learn, buy and enjoy the exhibitions, classes and performances.
In 2016 the decision was taken to end Art in Action in its current form. The plan is very much to develop Waterperry House and Gardens as a centre for the Arts, and we have been working with other organisations to extend the range of events that are available at Waterperry House.
In 2019, Waterperry Opera Festival will be returning to Waterperry House for a second year, just one example of the events showcasing the house and grounds. You can see the wide range of events at Waterperry on the What's On at Waterperry page.
Waterperry House is a residential centre for the School of Economic Science. The famous frescoes at Waterperry can be viewed via guided tour every Friday at 2pm. Visit the Waterperry Gardens website for more details.
Abhinaya (Indian dance)
Abhinaya is a traditional form of Indian Dance which provides an opportunity to experience the joy of movement arising from inner stillness. The School has an Abhinaya group that meets four times a term, and newcomers are welcome. This group is administered by the branch of the School in Croydon, demonstrating the School's commitment to the arts throughout the UK.