Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
"Most impressive, though, was the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir who made this demanding music sound easy and imbued it with real feeling.” Bachtrack, Tippett’s A Child of our Time, June 2023
"The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir totally stole the show, well surpassing the incredibly high standards which they already regularly attain” Arts Desk, Duruflé’s Requiem, June 2019
Matthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing
Louise Madden Choral Manager
Eve Taylor Accompanist
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 Belshazzar’s Feast 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.
-
Do I need to be able to read music?
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and with different types of choral experience, who have a passion for singing with others, and who want to experience the thrill of singing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir.
While we don’t need members to be perfect sight-readers, the pace of music learning means we are looking for singers who are confident reading staff notation.
-
When and where do the Choir rehearse?
The Choir rehearse on Monday evenings during term time from 1830 (plus occasional workshop days), with additional rehearsals in the lead up to concerts. Rehearsals are held at the Friary, Bute Street, Liverpool (L3, 3BX) and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street (L1 9BP).
-
Is there a minimum age requirement?
All members must be aged 18+ to apply to the Choir. If you are under 18, please see our Youth Company pages for details of ensembles for children and young people.
-
How much does it cost to be a member?
Choir membership is currently £200 per year which can be paid monthly over a period of ten months (September-June). Concessions are available.
-
What does the audition involve?
At your audition you’ll be asked to sing a short piece of your own choice which you feel shows off the qualities of your voice well. There’ll be a quick study exercise, so we can see how you learn music from a score, and some vocal exercises.
Further details of auditions will be sent along with your invitation to audition.
If you are interested in auditioning for the Choir, please click on the ‘Apply Online’ link below.
If you have any questions about the Choir, please contact Louise Madden, Choral Manager, via rlpcadmin@liverpoolphil.com or telephone +44 7773 734 214.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Liverpool Philharmonic is committed to striving to represent modern Britain in all its diversity. Liverpool Philharmonic is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. In seeking to be representative of the Liverpool city region, applications from members of minority ethnic groups are particularly welcome as they are currently underrepresented within the creative industry. The appointment will be made on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process.
In this section
-
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir members
Recommended
-
Most popular
-
Most popular
-
Most popular
-
Most popular
-
Most popular
-
Most popular
