London Philharmonic Choir

The London Philharmonic Choir maintains an independent identity even as it occasionally collaborates with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, supported by a lengthy record of activity and an extensive discography that reaches back to the 78 rpm period.

Founded in 1946 in affiliation with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the ensemble installed Frederic Jackson as its first chorus master, a post he occupied until 1969. Its inaugural concert took place on May 15, 1947, when the choir joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London for Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ("Choral"). Also in 1947 came the choir's first recording, made with Ernest Ansermet leading the same forces in Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. Although closely linked to the London Philharmonic Orchestra during its formative decades, the choir began accepting invitations from other orchestras once the London Philharmonic Orchestra encountered financial pressures in the 1950s. John Alldis succeeded Jackson as chorus master in 1969 and frequently included contemporary works in the programs. Richard Cooke then served from 1982 to 1991. The London Philharmonic Choir produced numerous recordings throughout the LP years, including the 1976 release Sounds of Glory, later reissued as Praise -- 18 Choral Masterpieces, which crossed over to reach the U.K. top ten.

The 1990s proved unsettled for the London Philharmonic Choir, which encountered interpretive disagreements with London Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Franz Welser-Möst. Jeremy Jackson held the chorus-master post from 1992 to 1994. Neville Creed took the position in 1994 under the revised title of artistic director and continued in that capacity into the mid-2020s. In 1996 the choir was removed from the London Philharmonic Orchestra payroll and achieved full independence. After a period of reduced activity, the group secured representation from two leading British booking agencies and began appearing with other orchestras as well as in its own concerts. An agreement was ultimately reached that gave the choir the right of first refusal for choral works with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The London Philharmonic Choir registered as a charity in 2002. Its membership exceeds 200 singers, drawn from college students to retirees, all of whom pass an audition to join and face re-audition every one to three years. Princess Alexandra, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, serves as patron. Recording activity has remained prolific in the digital era; by the time the choir issued Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on the orchestra's own label in 2023, its catalog already comprised well over 25 albums.