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“A concert to warm the heart, showcasing the brilliance of Mendelssohn and celebrating the Belfast Philharmonic Society’s invaluable contribution over the years.”
— David Byers, The Irish Times, 5-star review of Elijah with the Ulster Orchestra, November 2024
The Belfast Philharmonic Society, affectionately known as “The Phil”, is one of the few choral societies in the world with an unbroken record of performance since its founding in September 1874, celebrated its 150th anniversary last season. This year will be their 300th performance of Handel's Messiah since its founding. The Society is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of choral singing across all its ensembles.
Its Symphony Choir — Northern Ireland’s only symphonic choir — boasts over 130 members aged 18 to 80. They rehearse weekly and perform 4–5 major concerts a year, often in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra, tackling ambitious repertoire from Verdi’s Requiem to Bach’s B Minor Mass.
The Society also nurtures the next generation of singers, with over 120 children and young people aged 5–18 performing in four choirs: Phil Minis, Phil Kids, Phil Youth Choir, and Phil Chamber Choir. These young singers progress through a carefully designed training programme, inspired by the National Youth Choir of Scotland model. Beginning in P4, they develop their musical skills through weekly rehearsals and musicianship classes under the guidance of Kodály-trained directors and tutors, led by Dr Lynsey Callaghan, Artistic Director of the Youth Choirs and founder of the Cross Border Youth Choir.
Under the direction of Chorus Director James Grossmith, the Symphony Choir regularly fills the historic Ulster Hall, performing alongside the Ulster Orchestra and bringing world-class choral music to life for audiences across Belfast and beyond.
