An informal group of guitar lovers that get together in North London once a month

We’re an informal, friendly group of guitar lovers, mostly classical players but not exclusively so. Whether you play, sing, or simply love listening, you’re welcome here! Our members range from beginners to seasoned musicians, and even those who don’t play at all but enjoy the music and company.

While we do have a signup sheet, we like to keep things relaxed and simple and are always willing to squeeze in late additions.

At our monthly meetings, everyone has the opportunity to play a piece (or a few if time permits!) in turn. If you are not in the mood to perform, it’s not a problem, you are just as welcome to listen and enjoy.

Anyone, of any age or ability, with even the slightest interest in the guitar is welcome. Some of us play other instruments or sing, and we love mixing things up with duets and collaborations.

Please contact us to let us know you are attending. However, if you just show up on the night you will be just as welcome to attend.

An elderly man with white hair sitting on a chair playing a classical guitar at Lauderdale House, with sheet music on a stand in front of him, in a room with white walls and a brick column.
Lauderdale House in Highgate London surrounded by trees and a garden with red and pink flowers, a large green plant, and a stone staircase leading up to the house.
Group of people seated and clapping while a musician plays guitar in a cozy, art-filled room with wooden walls and large windows.

A brief history of our society

In the mid-1980s, Rose Andresier and Murray Gordon (the then musical director at Lauderdale House) started something special, our Guitar Society!

Since then, from small ensembles to award-winning performances, we’ve been making music together for decades.

Highlights include:

  • Early duos such as Hugh and Vicky Campbell bringing structure to our playing

  • Stephen Kenyon leading us to joint 1st prize at the first Guitar Orchestra Competition at Cecil Sharp House

  • Showcasing talented groups like the Janimar Trio, Concordia Guitar Duo, and many more

For over 20 years, we also performed three times a year for Phab in Temple Fortune, bringing music to a community of able-bodied and disabled friends alike, a tradition born from a chance garden-side meeting between Sheryle Deane and one of the Phab organisers.

Many of our musicians are still part of our story today. Here’s to the music, the memories, and the people who made it happen.

Over 40 years later we still meet every second Wednesday of the month.