Don McGown’s ability to win over an audience is usually determined by the quality of his argument, not the timbre of his voice.

But when the partner at law firm Allen & Overy stepped on to the stage at Sadler’s Wells in London last year, the crowd was more interested in his rendition of the “Toreador’s Song” from Bizet’s opera Carmen than his expertise in corporate restructuring. “We’ve gradually become more ambitious in our productions,” says Mr McGown, who oversees a range of musical activities at A&O, including the choir, ensembles and a regular stage production.

The firm’s facilities are unusually good; they include soundproofed rehearsal rooms, two pianos, a drum kit and a sprung-floored dance space.