About the Choir

The London Philharmonic Choir was founded in 1947 as the chorus for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Working under conductors such as Boulez, Elder, Gardner, Gatti, Haitink, Jurowski, Masur, Nézet-Séguin, Norrington, Rattle, Solti, Tennstedt and Welser-Möst, the Choir has always met with critical acclaim. Now widely regarded as one of the nation’s finest choirs, we perform regularly with the LPO and other world-class orchestras at major venues and festivals throughout the year.

From time to time we travel abroad. Past tours have been to Le Touquet, Budapest, Paris, Lucerne, Rome, Athens, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Canary Islands, and further afield to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Perth. In January 2004 we were invited to sing in the Vatican’s Papal Concert of Reconciliation. We have also built up an impressive discography throughout our history and continue to participate in recordings for CD, radio and television.

Our standards are high, but it’s not all hard work – we’re a very friendly and relaxed choir, enjoying not only the singing but a bit of socialising too. You’ll find out more about what we do – including information about joining us – on the following pages.

Mark Elder rehearsing the Choir

"The orchestral playing was wonderfully vibrant, and the choral singing outstandingly secure and controlled throughout, the polyphony crystal clear over a wide dynamic range."

Beethoven  Missa Solemnis,  Elder

The Guardian

Concerts in 2025 and 2026 include

John Adams  Harmonium  Edward Gardner
John Adams  On the Transmigration of Souls  Vladimir Jurowski
Beethoven  Symphony No. 9  Tan Dun
Delius  A Mass of Life  Sir Mark Elder
Handel  Messiah  Neville Creed
Haydn  Missa in tempore belli  Vladimir Jurowski
London Soundtrack Festival Gala Concert  Ben Palmer
Mahler  Symphony No. 8  Edward Gardner
Szymanowski Stabat Mater  Edward Gardner
Tan Dun  Choral Concerto: Nine  Tan Dun
Vaughan Williams  A Sea Symphony  Sir Mark Elder

Next concert


Handel  Messiah
Sunday 25 May 2025
2.30 pm,  Royal Festival Hall

Neville Creed  conductor

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
London Philharmonic Choir

Handel  Messiah

More info