The Philharmonia Chorus performed Beethoven's Missa Solemnis with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conducted by Gianandrea Noseda on Friday 4 November in the Royal Festival Hall. You can listen to the whole performance by clicking on 'Listen' above.

The concert was dedicated to Sir Charles Mackerras, who was President of the Chorus, and Conductor Emeritus of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Sir Charles Mackerras had a tremendous impact on the musical life of this country, and there were many great performances under his baton. The Chorus was immensely proud to have him as its President. This concert was a tribute to his memory.

The Philharmonia Orchestra's Mahler cycle reached its culmination on Sunday October 9 with a performance of the mighty Symphony No.8, 'Symphony of a Thousand' under Lorin Maazel at the Royal Festival Hall.

In this performance, Choir 1 was be sung by the BBC Symphony Chorus and the Philharmonia Voices. The Philharmonia Chorus, who were being prepared by their Chorus Master Stefan Bevier, was Choir 2. The performance was recorded for the Philharmonia Orchestra's own label.

Come to an open rehearsal on Wednesday 21 September at Gandhi Hall, Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6AQ, on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Grafton Way - nearest tubes are Warren Street and Great Portland Street. The rehearsal will start at 6.30pm, and last until 9pm, with a break at about 8pm.

The rehearsal will be taken by Chorus Master Stefan Bevier. All music will be provided.

Mahler's 8th Symphony is one of the glories of the symphonic choral repertoire. Experience it for yourself! If you have any questions, please e-mail openrehearsal@philharmoniachorus.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The Philharmonia Chorus returned to the Proms this year on 31 August in the customary performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The Chorus joined the BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

The Chorus is greatly saddened to hear of the death on 22 August of Charles Spencer, the first Chairman of the Philharmonia Chorus. He stepped forward at a time of great crisis in 1964 and established a self-governing management structure which remains in place to this day. He led the Chorus during almost two decades of historic performances and celebrated recordings, when it established its international reputation. The sympathy of the Chorus goes out to his widow Germaine and his family.

The Philharmonia Chorus gave a rare performance of Golgotha by Frank Martin at the 2011 'Easter at King's' Festival on Good Friday, 22 April, in the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge. The BBC Concert Orchestra was conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

Golgotha is a large scale, highly dramatic telling of the Passion story that Swiss composer Frank Martin composed in 1945-6. It clearly came directly from the heart, since it was not commissioned. Martin was inspired to write it after coming across a Rembrandt etching, 'The Three Crosses'. Scored for five soloists, orchestra, chorus and organ, its 10 movements span over 90 minutes, and are vividly theatrical. It was performed in the original French.

The performance was attended by Mme Marie Martin, the composer's widow, and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.