Arts and Culture

Unleash your inner artist

At Hilton College, we believe that creativity is not an extra- curricular activity, it’s a fundamental part of a well-rounded education. Here, talent isn’t just nurtured– it’s ignited.

Our exceptional facilities, dedicated staff and track record of success cultivate an environment where boys discover their artistic passions and achieve extraordinary things.

A stage for every dream

Imagine your son immersed in a world of artistic possibilities. At Hilton, that world is a reality. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect canvas for exploration and growth.

A symphony of sound

Our cutting-edge Chamberlain Music Centre boasts a professional recording studio, acoustically designed practice rooms, and a stunning recital hall, providing the ideal setting for both individual practice and ensemble performances.

A world of drama unfolds

Our magnificent 450-seat theatre offers a professional-grade stage for dramatic productions, allowing boys to experience the magic of performance and develop their theatrical talents.

Where creativity takes shape

Our dedicated visual arts centre and dramatic arts centre provide inspiring spaces for students to explore various artistic mediums, from painting and sculpture to performance art.

A showcase of talent

The Normand Dunn Gallery provides a platform to exhibit student work, fostering a vibrant artistic community and celebrating creative achievement.

The Masters Behind the Magic

Our passionate faculty members are more than just teachers – they are professionals and mentors, guiding and inspiring boys to reach their full artistic potential. They provide personalized instruction, fostering a love for the arts and equipping students with the skills and confidence to excel.

Our HOD of Dramatic Arts, Jenine Warren (née Collocott), is an acclaimed, award-winning theatre director and designer, who has been invited to present her work at numerous international festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival, Brighton, Perth, Dubai, Munich and California. With a focus on physical storytelling, Jenine is able to get the best from boys using their physicality to express powerfully what is often difficult to put into words.

In our music department, we have Dan Newell, principal cornet with the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and a former member of the London Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra. Dan has played with artists such as Chris Martin, Peter Gabriel and Sir Paul McCartney and has featured on soundtracks including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and How to Train Your Dragon, to name a few. He is head of brass and international music relations.

Our Director of Music, Joshua Boudan, is accomplished in several instruments with a performance background in jazz, classical, and contemporary genres. He has performed on stages around the world and collaborated with renowned international artists, including the legendary Maceo Parker. With a Master’s degree in film composition and qualifications in sound engineering, he brings both technical expertise and creative vision to his role. Under his leadership, pupils are inspired to explore their musical passions while gaining the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the music industry.

Head of Visual Arts Angela Salamon has a distinguished career in education and commercial art, with experience across several continents. She was a founding member of the Munich Found publishing team, a respected tourist magazine, taught business English in East Germany after the Berlin Wall, and worked in brand strategy, including Doritos’ global rebrand and market research for Ford UK. Committed to education, Angela returned to Africa to nurture young creative talent, helping students express their unique perspectives in a world that often overlooks authentic, individual narratives.

The proof is in the performance

Our commitment to excellence in the arts is reflected in our hosting of the annual Hilton Arts Festival – the second-largest English arts festival in South Africa – and the remarkable achievements of our students and alumni. One in three Hilton boys plays a musical instrument, a testament to the vibrant musical culture we cultivate.

International Acclaim

Our top musicians, David Weng and Thabo Mngomezulu, achieved remarkable success, placing 1st and 2nd respectively in a prestigious international music competition in 2024.

Global Recognition

The Hilton College Choir’s collaboration with Nipho & Sophiatown on a recently recorded track is currently receiving airplay in America and Europe, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured at Hilton.

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

Our alumni network boasts an impressive array of accomplished artists and performers who have made their mark on the world stage.

Music that moves millions

Jono Smithers, a Berklee College of Music graduate, composed the iconic music for the globally renowned game Minecraft.

Leading the art world

Our alumni include prominent figures in the visual arts, such as sculptor Jake Michael Singer, painter Mmangaliso Nzuza, master printmaker Niall Bingham, virtual reality artist Rick Treweek, and landscape painter Scott Bredin. These individuals are shaping the future of art, a testament to the strong foundation they received at Hilton.

Opera houses around
the world

Nathan Julius graces opera stages internationally, captivating audiences
with his powerful voice.

Where talent finds its groove

We help young musicians find their voice, grow their confidence, and shape their future.

‘It’s not the size of a man, but the size of his heart that matters.’