Toby Carr

Lutenist and guitarist Toby Carr is known as a versatile and engaging artist, working with some of the finest musicians in the business.

Having studied at Trinity Laban and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, he is now in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and continuo player, his playing has been described as ‘sensuous and vivid’ (The Guardian), ‘Eloquent’ (BBC Music Magazine) and ‘Mesmerising’ (Opera Today).

Toby has performed with most of the principal period-instrument ensembles in the UK and beyond, as well as with many symphony orchestras, opera companies and ballet companies. Notable recordings include De Pasión Mortal with Nicholas Mulroy and Elizabeth Kenny (Linn), Drop not, mine eyes with Alexander Chance (Linn) and Battle Cry with Helen Charlston (Delphian), winner of both BBC Music Magazine and Gramophone Awards in 2023.  His debut solo album, Softest Thunder, released on Delphian in 2026, brings together repertoire spanning some 400 years to explore the unique sound world of the renaissance lute.

Toby is a professor at the Guildhall school of Music & Drama, working across the strings and historical performance departments. He is delighted to share his passion for chamber music and collaboration with the next generation of musicians.