Leeds Philharmonic Chorus

Historically from the early 18th century, Leeds was one of the main UK players in promoting and supporting large scale choral works and continues to do so to this day.

The Leeds Philharmonic Society was the natural evolution of the Leeds Amateur Vocal Society, a male voice choir of approximately 60 formed in the early 1860’s.  In 1870 it was decided to admit women to the choir and to formally rename it the Leeds Philharmonic Society.  A further amalgamation took place in 1896 with the Leeds Subscription Concerts. As well as perfroming in it's own concerts, large numbers of the choir also provided the singers for the triennial Leeds Festivals. In the 19th century, such was the pre-eminence of the chorus that for many years a contingent of anything up to 100 singers from the LPS formed the backbone of the choruses at the Three Choirs, Chester, and Norwich Festivals.

Leeds Philharmonic Chorus now comprises over 130 singing members regularly performing  at Leeds Town Hall. Performances are often jointly promoted with the Leeds International Concert Season and the BBC.  Our repertoire is extensive, combining both tradition and innovation involving a constant quest for excellence as well as enterprise.