Press Release
10 April 2025
London Philharmonic Choir appoints Chorus Director, Madeleine Venner
Venner will succeed Neville Creed from the 2025/26 season
The London Philharmonic Choir (LPC), a world-renowned choral ensemble, today 10 April 2025 announces the appointment of Madeleine Venner as its Chorus Director effective from the 2025/26 season. Venner will succeed Neville Creed, who will retire at the end of the 2024/25 season after a distinguished tenure of 30 years.
During her first season with the London Philharmonic Choir, Venner will prepare the Choir for performances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) conducted by the LPO’s Principal Conductor Edward Gardner and the Choir’s President Sir Mark Elder. The full LPO concert season is due to be announced on 22 April 2025. Venner will also work with the Choir’s Board of Directors on strategic planning to guide the Choir toward its 80th anniversary in 2027 and beyond.
Venner’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the London Philharmonic Choir as it continues its legacy of delivering professional-quality and award-winning performances from its members, who are amateur singers from all walks of life. Venner is the sixth Chorus Director of the London Philharmonic Choir since its founding in 1947, following in the footsteps of Frederic Jackson (1947–69), John Alldis (1969–82), Richard Cooke (1982–91), Jeremy Jackman (1992–94) and Neville Creed (1994–present).
Neville Creed, outgoing Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Choir, says: ‘I am delighted that Madeleine Venner will be taking on the role of directing the LPC and steering it towards the next chapter of its illustrious history. I knew of Madeleine’s excellent work with the Hallé Choir, and she has been a most effective deputy for me for many years. Her detailed and inspiring approach in rehearsals is widely appreciated and the LPC can look forward to going from strength to strength under her leadership. As Chorus Director Emeritus I will retain a close interest in seeing the Choir flourish.’
Tessa Bartley, Chair of the London Philharmonic Choir, says: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Madeleine Venner as our new Chorus Director. Her extensive experience and passion for choral music make her the ideal candidate to guide the LPC into its next chapter. The Board and I look forward to working with Madeleine and the LPO on exciting plans including celebrating our 80th anniversary in 2027.’
Edward Gardner, Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, says: ‘I’m so happy that Madeleine has accepted the role as Chorus Director of the LPC. She has a formidable pedigree in directing and training choirs, and in the interview and audition for this job came across as an intrepid thinker, great musician and charismatic leader. I can’t wait to begin our music-making together.’
Elena Dubinets, Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, says: ‘We are thrilled to congratulate the London Philharmonic Choir on the appointment of Madeleine Venner as its new Chorus Director. Following a rigorous and highly competitive search process, Madeleine emerged as the clear artistic leader to guide the Choir into its next chapter. Her exceptional musicianship, inspiring leadership, and deep understanding of choral artistry make her the ideal person to build on the Choir’s legacy and shape its future with vision and vitality. We are excited to continue our work with the London Philharmonic Choir under Madeleine’s guidance, exploring major vocal repertoire for years to come.’
Madeleine Venner, London Philharmonic Choir Chorus Director
Venner, an award-winning chorus director, brings to the LPC a wealth of experience in orchestral conducting, vocal performance, repetiteuring and musicology. Her previous roles include Chorus Master for Opera Rara, Choral Director for the Hallé Concerts Society and Associate Chorus Master for the Philharmonia Chorus. She has regularly taken rehearsals with the London Philharmonic Choir and the BBC Symphony Chorus, and served as Musical Director for chamber choirs such as Londinium and as a guest conductor for London Lyric Opera. Venner achieved significant recognition at Opera Rara, winning awards for Rossini’s Semiramide under Sir Mark Elder, including the 2019 International Opera Award for Recording (Complete Opera) and the 2019 International Classical Music Award in the Opera category.
Venner earned her BA (Hons) in Music with Double Starred First-Class Honours from King’s College, Cambridge, followed by an MPhil in Musicology. She later completed an MMus in singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005, along with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Repetiteur Training.
Madeleine Venner, Chorus Director of the London Philharmonic Choir, says: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed Chorus Director of the London Philharmonic Choir, a world-class ensemble with an exciting and ambitious programme ahead. I look forward to developing my relationship with the LPC and to building a strong partnership with Edward Gardner and the whole LPO team as we look to new opportunities in the future and to exploring great repertoire together. The London Philharmonic Choir stands for excellence, for innovative and creative music-making, and I look forward to taking this outstanding ensemble on the next stage of its incredible journey.’
For more information about the London Philharmonic Choir, please visit lpc.org.uk.
For more information please contact:
Jenni Cresswell
London Philharmonic Choir Marketing Manager~
Email: marketing@lpc.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About the London Philharmonic Choir
The London Philharmonic Choir is one of the world’s leading choral ensembles, known for its exceptional performances and dedication to the art of choral music. Founded in 1947, the Choir has a rich history of collaborating with renowned orchestras and performing a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works.
