London Recording Venue
Record your music at St John’s – A renowned London recording venue
With its stunning acoustics and inspiring atmosphere, St John’s, Upper Norwood is fast becoming one of London’s most sought-after venues for classical and choral recordings.
A Recording Venue Chosen by World-Class Musicians
St John’s has long inspired musicians from across the UK and beyond. Known for its warm, resonant acoustic and beautiful heritage setting, the church has been used by the BBC to broadcast Songs of Praise and Choral Evensong, and is a popular concert venue for local and professional choirs alike.
It is also increasingly chosen as a recording venue by leading ensembles and soloists, including: His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, Florilegium, Robin Blaze, Elin Manahan Thomas, Rachel Podger & Brecon Baroque, Choir of Gonville & Caius College, The Rodolfus Choir…
Acoustics That Elevate Every Note
Our exceptional acoustic creates a rich, immersive sound that has drawn praise from critics and sound engineers alike. A recent Vivaldi recording by Florilegium and Elin Manahan Thomas, captured in surround sound at St John’s, was voted BBC Radio 3’s CD of the Week.
Credit: Matthew Johnson | SANSARA and Fretwork’s recording sessions (Nov. 2023)
“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, Robert Hollingworth and I Fagiolini chose St John’s for their reconstruction of a 1612 Italian Vespers, including works for seven choirs and period instruments. The results speak for themselves – atmospheric, clear, and deeply resonant.
Grotrian Steinweg 275 Grand Piano
Type: Grand Piano | Serial No.: 75807
Condition: Fully restored, ideal for professional performances or studio use
Features: Two excellent heavy-duty adjustable piano stools
Experience exceptional sound at St John’s, Upper Norwood, with a Grotrian Steinweg 275 Grand Piano, rebuilt in 1956. Handcrafted in Braunschweig, Germany, this piano delivers a sensitive touch, rich singing tone, and wide dynamic range, perfect for concerts, recordings, and rehearsals.
Why Grotrian: Known for meticulous European craftsmanship, Grotrian pianos are celebrated worldwide for their unique sound and free vibration system. Originally founded by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (later Steinway & Sons), the company has maintained six generations of musical excellence.
Perfect for live concerts, music recordings, and studio rentals, this piano offers a premium experience for artists seeking unmatched sound quality.
What artists are saying…
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"Heart felt thanks to you all for welcoming SLYT to St John's last week for our production of Coram Boy. I couldn't have wished for a more perfect setting for the production - I am still pinching myself! You made us all feel so welcome and I don't think I have seen SLYT more excited and more driven to succeed in performance - the church and your input elevated our efforts! We have received some wonderful feedback."
Spencer James
South London Youth Theatre -
![Parent and carer testimonial for PlayTime! | St John's Upper Norwood]()
"It is always a delight to play at St John’s but particularly this time, for various reasons – everyone on the staff and the volunteers were so gracious each day I was there, it was so nice to have a refurbished instrument to play and I very much enjoyed the enthusiastic audience.”
Christopher Herrick
Organist -
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“Had a wonderful recording project at St John the Evangelist! Look forward to the outcome 🎉 Thank you for having me ✨"
Cathy Tsang
Flautist
Whether you're an ensemble, soloist, label, or producer, St John’s offers an exceptional recording environment that brings your music to life. Our team is experienced, flexible, and happy to help make your session a success.