Our history

In 1967 Miss Margaret Grassam Sims left a gift to the University of Southampton for a hall that would transform the musical landscape of Southampton. Turner Sims was named after her brother Edward Turner Sims, a man known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. We wouldn't be here without them!

On the 19 November 1974, our official opening concert featured soprano Elisabeth Söderström and pianist Margaret Kitchin.

On 19 October 1976, Leeds International Piano Competition winner Dmitri Alexeev performed at Turner Sims. He was the first of many competition winners to visit as part of a partnership that continues to this day with pianists including Federico Colli (pictured).

On 22 November 1984, The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields performed at our 10th Anniversary Concert directed by Iona Brown. Their programme included Mozart's symphony No. 1 in E flat and Violin Concerto in G, alongside works by Britten and Haydn.

On the 30 June 1988, Margaret Thatcher wrote for our Homage to Béla Bartók concert programme: Béla Bartók was one of the greatest musical figures of this century. His genius has enhanced the reputation of Hungarian culture throughout the world. I am honoured to send this message, in appreciation of his achievements and to mark the return of his body through Southampton on its way from the United States to its final resting place in Hungary.

In January 1994, the new foyer opened. It was intended for informal concerts, workshops, lecture/recitals, pre-concert talks, jazz evenings and exhibitions.

On the 26 November 1995, Dave Brubeck performed at Turner Sims as one of only two UK performances to mark his 75th birthday.

On 18 September 2004, a free 17-track CD Fanfare was given away with the Daily Echo newspaper to mark Turner Sims 30th anniversary. The CD featured artists appearing in the Autumn 2004 season, including Cuban band Vocal Sampling, clarinettist Emma Johnson, and oud player Dhafer Youssef.

On 30 September 2008, Radu Lupu gave the inaugural recital on our new Steinway D concert grand.

On 15 July 2010, the University of Southampton awarded Courtney Pine an honorary degree of Doctor of Music at Turner Sims.

On 5 February 2012, we premiered Spinal Chords by composer Sally Beamish with words by Melanie Reid. The performance by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was narrated by Juliet Stevenson. On 3 and 4 March, as part of London 2012's Cultural Olympiad, Southampton's Musical Alphabet weekend saw 50 events and 500 performers entertain 2500 people in 23 venues across the city.

On 22 November 2013, 2760 children were involved in the climax of the Britten Stream project broadcast live from Turner Sims. The event was part of the international Friday Afternoons project to celebrate the centenary of Benjamin Britten.

A timely and greatly appreciated anonymous donation enabled us to refurbish the auditorium in the summer of 2014.

On 23 April 2021, we presented the world premiere of Tunde Jegede's 'Voyages of the Heart' as an online broadcast due to Covid-19 restrictions. The work was commissioned as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations in Southampton.