Main Church at St John The Evangelist Upper Norwood
About this space
St John The Evangelist Upper Norwood has long been a sought-after destination for musicians, renowned for its exceptional acoustics that make it a top choice for choral, orchestral, and classical recordings. The church’s unique architectural design allows sound to resonate beautifully, creating a rich, immersive listening experience that has attracted world-class artists and recording professionals alike.
Beyond its reputation as a premier recording venue, St John’s is the perfect setting for a variety of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, concerts, and theatrical performances. The stunning historic interior provides a breathtaking backdrop, blending traditional elegance with modern versatility. Whether you’re looking to host an intimate wedding ceremony, a grand concert, or a professional corporate event, the space can be adapted to suit a range of requirements.
With ample seating capacity, flexible staging options, and a dedicated team to assist with event planning, St John’s ensures a seamless experience for both performers and guests. Additionally, its central location in Upper Norwood, excellent transport links, and plenty of free parking make it a convenient and accessible choice for all attendees.
For those seeking a venue that combines heritage, beauty, practicality, and outstanding acoustics, St John The Evangelist is truly a standout choice.
Prices
Capacity
Catering and drinks
Facilities
Music & sound equipment
Accessibility
Rules of the space
Allowed events
Host rules
No loud music after 11 pm
No smoking in the building
Furniture must be moved back to where you found it
Cancellation policy: Standard 30 day with Grace Period
St John’s has long inspired musicians from far and wide. Its exceptional acoustic that has made it a sought-after venue for choral, orchestral, and classical recordings and outstanding sound quality has attracted leading ensembles and broadcasters, including the BBC, which has used the church to record and broadcast Songs of Praise and Choral Evensong.
The church’s warm, immersive acoustics has been appreciated by world-renowned musicians and recording artists, including:
His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts
Florilegium
Robin Blaze & Elin Manahan Thomas
The Choir of Gonville & Caius College
The Rodolfus Choir
Rachel Podger & Brecon Baroque
A recent recording of Vivaldi by Florilegium and Elin Manahan Thomas, captured in stunning surround sound at St John’s, was voted BBC Radio 3’s CD of the Week. One reviewer wrote:
"The sound quality […] is quite exceptional. The acoustic of the recording location – St John the Evangelist Church, Upper Norwood, London – bathes the instruments in a warm glow, giving them an almost holographic presence and richness."
In our 125th year, St John’s was chosen by Robert Hollingsworth and I Fagiolini for their reconstruction of a 1612 Italian Vespers, released on CD in 2012. The recording includes multi-choir pieces, including a stunning work by Gabrieli for seven choirs and period instruments, where once again the St John’s acoustic worked its magic.
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