There is Sweet Music Here

Julia Boyd is the author of Travellers in the Third Reich: The Rise of Fascism through the Eyes of Everyday People, the Sunday Times top three bestseller and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History 2018. Her previous books include A Dance with the Dragon: The Vanished World of Peking's Foreign Colony, The Excellent Doctor Blackwell: The Life of the First Woman Physician and Hannah Riddell: An Englishwoman in Japan. An experienced researcher, she has scoured archives all over the world to find original material for her books. As the wife of a former diplomat, she lived in Germany from 1977 to 1981. A former trustee of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, she now lives in London.

‘Essential and fascinating reading for anyone interested in the history of making music in 20th-century London.’ Tom Holland, novelist, popular historian and podcaster‘For lovers of the “sumptuous temple of music” that is Wigmore Hall, this is a kaleidoscopic history of one of Britain’s most beloved and vital musical institutions.’ Charlotte Higgins, writer and journalist‘Julia Boyd’s account of the most exciting and beloved music venue in London should win the Ondaatje Prize for evoking “the spirit of a place” beloved by music lovers since the year Queen Victoria died.’ Rev. Richard Coles writer, broadcaster and priest ‘Dazzlingly comprehensive, immaculately researched and lovingly written, this celebration of one of the greatest cultural jewels in the world is part history lesson, part study of cultural mores, and part assessment therefore of ever-changing performance practice. Its intensely rich roll call of the international artists who have performed there across the 125 years since its opening is enlivened by an equally rich treasure trove of anecdote, comment and legend – by turns perspicacious, tender and hilarious. This is required reading for all lovers of this unique venue.’ Dame Jane Glover, conductor and musicologist‘Many halls throughout the world are admired and even venerated, but none inspire as much affection as Wigmore. A concert hall, through its acoustic, is an extension of the instruments and voices which resound within its walls. This fascinating book takes us on a 125-year journey in the company of the musicians who have performed in this most musical of buildings.’ Stephen Hough, pianist composer and writer ‘An essential and never-before-told chapter in the history of London comes vividly to life in this revelatory book.’ Lady Antonia Fraser, author and historian‘So much more than a narrow history of a concert hall, this book brings Wigmore Hall into focus, formed through the influence of war, political upheaval and migration. Julia Boyd tells a beautiful, personal tale, steeped in the bricks of one building, while also weaving an extraordinary history of a world and its people. This is a book about music, cultural expression, the power of human empathy and endurance. A tour de force.’ Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, memoirist and arts administrator‘This is an immaculately researched and detailed account of the history of the Wigmore Hall in London.’ Country Life‘Boyd’s affectionate history is at root a story about the human need not so much for entertainment as nourishment. The Wigmore Hall, she reminds us, is ‘a sanctuary for the human spirit’, a cultural and spiritual home for exiled Jews during the second world war and a springboard for careers and self-confidence.’ The Spectator ‘The success of Wigmore Hall has come thanks to a few artistic directors with persistence and optimism. As the hall marks its 125th anniversary, Boyd narrates its journey from a star-studded opening night in 1901, through postwar struggle, to its current position as arguably the world’s leading chamber music venue.’ Richard Fairman, Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2026