Patron: The Former HRH The Prince of Wales
Chorus Master: Gavin Carr
Accompanist: Timothy End
Arts Council England

The Chorus


The Philharmonia Chorus is an independent symphony chorus based in London. Founded by Walter Legge in 1957 to complement the Philharmonia Orchestra he had founded 10 years earlier, the Chorus quickly established itself as one of Europe's premier choruses. Over the succeeding decades, the Chorus has worked with many of the leading orchestras in Europe and most of the leading conductors of the day.

The high standards established over 60 years ago continue to this day, and the Chorus delivers performances of international standard with the homogeneous and refined sound for which it is renowned.

Recent highlights over the past few years include a Mahler cycle with the Orchestre National de Lille conducted by Alexandre Bloch, including both choruses in the 8th symphony, Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Karl-Heinz Steffens, Mozart's Requiem with the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Itzhak Perlman, a showing of the film Amadeus at the Royal Albert Hall with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Ludwig Wicki, and performances of Handel's Messiah at Christmas in the Royal Albert Hall. The Chorus has appeared regularly at the Easter at King's Festival in King's College, Cambridge since its inception, has toured regularly to France, Germany and Spain.

The Chorus runs its own Professional Singer and Student Schemes to complement its membership of high quality amateur singers. The Chorus Master is Gavin Carr, and the Chorus Accompanist is Timothy End.

The Chorus is a Registered Charity, No. 250495.