Chetham's Library

About

About/History

Chetham's is a unique cultural institution in the heart of Manchester combining music, education and heritage.

The building that houses Chetham's was built in 1421 to accommodate the priests of Manchester's Collegiate Church and it remains one of the most complete medieval domestic complexes to survive in England.

A "Hospital School and Library" was established on the site in 1653 by Humphrey Chetham to house and educate “poor boys” and to provide free access to university-level books to all. In 1950, the hospital was transformed into a grammar school and in 1969 a bold decision was taken to turn it into a specialist music school.

Chetham’s is now home to the internationally renowned Chetham’s School of Music, modern performance venue The Stoller Hall and Chetham's Library, which is the oldest public library in the UK.

 

CHETHAM'S LIBRARY

Chetham's Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. It holds a large collection of printed books, manuscripts and archives dating from medieval to modern times that are used by readers from around the world. Famous visitors and readers include Daniel Defoe, Benjamin Franklin and Marx and Engels. The Library, its buildings, furniture, artworks and collections are designated as having national and international significance by Arts Council. It is also an accredited museum and you can find out about its collections or book on one or the regular tours to visit.

 

THE STOLLER HALL

The Stoller Hall is a beautiful and modern concert hall, designed by Stephenson Studio with acoustics by Arup. It has been engineered to provide a unique immersive experience. Designed as a box within a box, the performance space has very low noise levels and a variable acoustic system, meaning audiences can truly hear and feel the music. There are regular performances by Chetham’s School of Music students – regular free lunchtime concerts are open to all, giving you the chance to witness some of the most talented young musicians in the UK. There’s also a programme for professional touring artists that embraces classical and contemporary music, comedy and spoken word. There’s something for everyone at The Stoller Hall. Get closer to the sounds you love in a unique setting or discover something new. Find out what’s on.

 

CHETHAM'S SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The thriving creative community at Chetham’s consists of around 300 students aged 8-18 whose common passion is music. Entry to the School is based solely on musical ability and potential, never on background or ability to pay, thanks to generous bursaries through the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme. This common bond of musical passion makes for a truly inspirational place that has the power to transform the lives of all who are part of it. Former students include pianists Stephen Hough, Paul Lewis and Peter Donohoe, cellist Guy Johnston, violinist Jennifer Pike, conductor Daniel Harding, cellist Matthew Bailey, jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock, DJ Sam Shepherd, aka ‘Floating Points’,

actor - and former Jamiroquai drummer – Max Beesley, and Roger Wright, Chief Executive of Aldeburgh Music. Since 2008, around a third of the semi-finalists at each BBC Young Musician of the Year competition have been Chetham’s students. Find out more.