“The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Dinis Sousa, gave a rousing performance. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir really shone. Their quiet entrance with Gospodi pomiluj was breathtaking; their full outbursts in the Veruju (Credo) movement filled the Philharmonic Hall with glorious sound. They sounded completely at ease with Janáček’s idiom and appeared to have no difficulty singing in this unfamiliar language.” - Bachtrack ****, Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass, April 2025

“The Philharmonic Choir and Youth Choir sang with dazzling brightness and total conviction from the first bars. The words “Liebe nur Gott” were some of the most utterly joyful singing one could hope for.” - Bachtrack *****, Mahler Symphony No.3, March 2025

"No watch-checking was required in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s heartfelt performance with the sopranos and altos of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, under the baton of their charismatic chief conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. Atmosphere and detail shone out, ebbing and flowing through the six movements, from rustic dance to Nietzschean nocturne.” - The Observer ****, Mahler Symphony No.3, March 2025

Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing
Louise Madden Choral Manager
Jenny Rust Vocal Coach
Eve Taylor Accompanist

Upcoming Auditions for the 2025/26 Season

The RLPC are holding auditions for the 2025/26 season on Tuesday 22 and Tuesday 29 July 2025.

If you are interested in auditioning to be part of the group, please apply through the application form below and our Choral Manager will be in touch about booking an audition.

RLPC AUDITION APPLICATION FORM  

Where are auditions held?

Auditions will be held at our regular rehearsal venue: The Friary, Fox Street, Liverpool, L3 3BQ.

What will the audition involve?

Auditions will be held by our Director of Choirs and Singing, Matthew Hamilton, and our Vocal Coach, Jenny Rust. There will also be a piano accompanist provided.

Auditions will last about 10 minutes, in which time you will be asked the following:

• Sing a piece of your own choice - around 3 minutes in length is ideal. This could be a solo song or a choral extract - anything you think shows off your voice well, and that you’re confident singing.
• Vocal exercises - these will give the panel the chance to explore areas of vocal ability that your piece maybe didn’t show and assess your vocal range.
• Quick study exercise – in order to see how quickly you can pick up new music from a score, you will spend a few minutes learning a phrase or two of an unfamiliar choral piece, with help from the panel and pianist if required.

For any questions about the audition process, please contact Louise Madden, Choral Manager, on louise.madden@liverpoolphil.com.

About the Choir
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir is an auditioned adult symphony chorus based in the heart of Liverpool. Comprising over 100 singers from across the Northwest region, the Choir is a welcoming group who volunteer their time to bring the highest standard of symphonic choral music to audiences in Liverpool and beyond. 

The Choir was founded in 1840, in parallel with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, with the aim of complementing the Orchestra in performances across the nation. Today, the Choir still regularly performs with the Orchestra in their home venue, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as venues outside Liverpool. 

The Choir was led by Chorusmaster Ian Tracey for 38 years prior to his retirement in 2023, whereupon Matthew Hamilton became the Director of Choirs and Singing. Led by Matthew, the Choir boasts an impressive schedule of concerts every season, featuring regular works such as the traditional annual performance of Handel’s Messiah and Liverpool Philharmonic’s Spirit of Christmas concerts, together with other staples of the choral repertoire. Performing alongside internationally renowned conductors and soloists, highlights of the 2024/25 season include Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast with Sir Bryn Terfel, Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass conducted by Dinis Sousa, and a season finale of Verdi’s Requiem under the baton of the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. 

Although maintaining an amateur status, the Choir strives for high professional standards which has led to frequent recordings and broadcasts. Recent recordings have included Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony and Elgar’s The Music Makers (on the Onyx Classics label), as well as a video stream of Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 as part of Domingo Hindoyan’s inaugural concert as Chief Conductor. The Choir’s upcoming performance of Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.   

The Choir has appeared in performances outside of Liverpool, including the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and has toured in Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands.  

The Choir is managed by dedicated Liverpool Philharmonic staff and supported by a Consultation Group of Choir members, who represent all aspects of membership and are active in discussions with Artistic staff and management. Opportunities to join the Consultation Group are available to all Choir members.  

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir looks forward to welcoming audiences from near and far to share their 2024/25 season. 

Come and sing with us!
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir is a friendly group of singers whose day jobs range from students to doctors to teachers and more. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and voice types. 

The Choir rehearses every Monday evening during term time, with additional rehearsals in the lead up to concerts. Regular rehearsals take place at The Friary, Fox Street, L3 3BQ. This venue is just a few minutes’ walk from Lime Street station and has a free car park. 

Membership of the Choir offers activities in addition to rehearsals and concerts, including workshops and individual/group vocal coaching.  

Applications are processed throughout the year and auditions are held across the season. Once you have completed an application form, a member of Choir management will be in touch regarding an audition date.  

Please see the FAQs for additional information.