- Belfast Philharmonic Choir Celebrates 150 Years with Gala Finale Concert (Belfast Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Belfast Philharmonic Youth and Chamber Choirs)
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Date Posted: Tue, 6 May 2025
The Belfast Philharmonic Choir is proud to mark a historic milestone with our 150th Anniversary Gala Concert, taking place at Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Saturday 24th May 2025 at 7:30pm. This extraordinary evening of music celebrates a century and a half of song, community, and artistic excellence.
At the heart of the programme is the world premiere of The Offing, a newly commissioned choral work by acclaimed Irish composer Elaine Agnew, with text by award-winning poet Sinéad Morrissey. Written especially for this anniversary, The Offing brings together the Belfast Philharmonic’s Symphonic, Youth, and Chamber Choirs, accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra, pianist Gail Evans, and conducted by James Grossmith.
Sinéad Morrissey shares:
“It was such an honour to be asked to write the words for this new choral piece to celebrate the Belfast Philharmonic Choir’s 150th anniversary. It’s been a joy to work with the magnificent composer Elaine Agnew. I can’t wait to hear it – full voice! – on May 24th as part of the concert celebrating the choir’s many and lasting achievements over the past century and a half.”
The programme also features the Irish premiere of a new chamber version of James Whitbourn’s The Seven Heavens, and Howard Skempton’s He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, composed for our 125th anniversary.
This evening is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of our journey through 150 years of music-making and the people who have shaped our story.
With Thanks to Our Supporters
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors and supporters who have made this event—and our anniversary commission—possible. Your partnership has allowed us to create something truly special for our singers, audiences, and the wider arts community.
We are especially grateful to:
This commission was supported by the Arts Council NI National Lottery Commissioning Programme, Leche Trust, Hinrichsen Foundation, Francis Routh Trust, Vaughan Williams Foundation.
This concert was supported by Cleaver Fulton Rankin.
Examen and MRA Partnership have sponsored 150th celebrations.
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For more information, see: https://www.belfastphilharmonic.org.uk/dbpage.php?pg=evlist
- Spring Season Announcement!
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Date Posted: Tue, 18 Feb 2025
We are delighted to announce details of three very special concerts as part of our spring season as we continue to celebrate our 150th anniversary:
Carmina Burana with special guests the North Belfast Youth Choir on April 12th at 7pm in Belfast Boys' Model School - click here for more information and to book tickets
150th Anniversary Season Closing Concert on May 24th at 7pm in the Ulster Hall - click here for more information and to book tickets
150th Anniversary Season Closing Concert on May 25th at 4pm in St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen - click here for more information and to book tickets
- We are hiring!
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Date Posted: Tue, 28 Jan 2025
The Belfast Philharmonic Society is seeking a Production Manager!
Belfast Philharmonic Society (The Phil) was founded in 1874 and includes Northern Ireland’s only symphonic chorus. The Phil has a distinguished history of performance in Belfast and beyond over all the intervening years. We are celebrating our 150th anniversary this 2024-2025 season. The symphonic chorus (c.150 members) performs regularly as part of the Ulster Orchestra’s main season under conductors engaged by the orchestra as well as organising our own concerts and events. Our Youth Choirs programme will reach its 20th anniversary in 2025-2026.
Post: Production Manager, Belfast Philharmonic Society (BPS)
Location: Hybrid (working from home and St Bride’s Hall, Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast)
Salary: Range (Full-time equivalent) £26,000-30,000 per annum, commensurate with experience. Pro rata for part-time working 22 hours per week.
Reports To: Chair of BPS
Responsible To: BPS Board of Trustees and will work in consultation with the Chorus Director
Closing Date and Time: 15:00 hours on Tuesday 18th February 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 24th February 2025
Timing of Appointment: The Production Manager is expected to take up position by March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter
More Information: Click here or below for job descriptions, an application form and a Fair Employment Monitoring Questionnaire
If you would like any further information, please contact Clíona Donnelly, Interim General Manager at manager@belfastphilharmonic.org.uk
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- Save the Date for our Next Concert - April 12th
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Date Posted: Sat, 25 Jan 2025
We are delighted to announce details of a new partnership with the North Belfast Youth Choir who will join us as special guests for our next concert on April 12th in Belfast Boys' Model School.
The Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Youth and Chamber Choirs will sing Carl Orff's masterpiece Carmina Burana plus other music in what promises to be an exciting evening of choral performances.
Tickets will be available soon and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear all the latest news.
- Trailer for 2020 Virtual Concert of Britten's Saint Nicolas
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Date Posted: Thu, 16 Jan 2025
We performed Britten's Saint Nicolas in a virtual concert in 2020 and we can't wait to perform it live next Saturday 25th January at 4pm!
Singers of all ages will spend the day rehearsing the piece with our Chorus Director James Grossmith and Youth Choirs Artistic Director Lynsey Callaghan, accompanied by Gail Evans on piano and Tristan Russcher on organ. Tenor Ross Scanlon will sing the role of 'Saint Nicolas' and also coach the young singers, so don't miss this exciting day of music making in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church from 1o.30am.
For all the details and to book tickets as a singer or audience member, click here.YouTube Video URL:
- Photos of Youth Choirs Winter Recital (Belfast Philharmonic Youth and Chamber Choirs)
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Date Posted: Thu, 12 Dec 2024
The Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choirs performed an enchanting recital in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church on Friday 7th December in front of a packed audience of family and friends. Conducted by the Youth Choirs Artistic Director Lynsey Callaghan and with the Society's Accompanist Gail Evans on piano, each of the six choirs performed seasonal favourites and contemporary winter music.
Click here to view photos from the event and for more information about our Youth Choirs, use the drop down menu above.
- Reviews of Elijah with the Ulster Orchestra
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Date Posted: Mon, 9 Dec 2024
Almost 150 years to the date when the Belfast Philharmonic Society performed Mendelssohn's Elijah in their first concert, we performed the piece with the Ulster Orchestra in the historic Ulster Hall on Friday 29th November.
Conducted by our Chorus Director James Grossmith and with soloists Elinor Rolfe, Claire Barnett-Jones, Dean Power and Ben McAteer, the packed audience gave a standing ovation and Maria Rafferty from the Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir sang the role of the angel.
Alf McCreary from The Newsletter described the concert as "a soaring performance" in his revew available here and David Byers' 5 star review in The Irish Times can be accessed through our Facebook page here.
To watch a clip from the start of the concert, visit the Ulster Orchestra Facebook page here.
- Open Rehearsals, Taster Sessions and Auditions Confirmed for January 2025
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Date Posted: Thu, 28 Nov 2024
We are delighted to be holding a taster session for the Phil Kids on Tuesday 7th January and open rehearsals for the Youth and Chamber Choirs on Wednesday 15th January - for more details click on the 'Youth Choirs' drop down menu above.
We will also be holding an open rehearsal for the Belfast Philharmonic Choir on Wednesday 8th January 2025 with auditions on Saturday 11th January and click here for more details and how to sign up.
- Photos from Tour to Hungary (Belfast Philharmonic Choir)
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Date Posted: Mon, 11 Nov 2024
The Belfast Philharmonic Choir travelled to Hungary in October to mark the 150th anniversary of the Society and performed concerts in the stunning St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest and Esztergom Basilica, the largest church building in the country.
Appreciative audiences in both venues enjoyed James Whitbourn's The Seven Heavens, Howard Skempton's He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, movements from Elaine Hagenberg's Illuminare and Morten Lauridsen's Nocturnes plus a beautiful arrangement of The Irish Blessing by James E. Moore.
Photos of the tour are available to view here and for more information about travelling to Hungary with a musical group, contact Musik-Land Hungary - https://musik-land.hu/
- Tickets Now on Sale for Youth Choirs Winter Recital (Belfast Philharmonic Youth and Chamber Choirs)
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Date Posted: Fri, 8 Nov 2024
Tickets are now on sale for our annual Winter Recital featuring Youth and Chamber Choirs.
Featuring a mix of contemporary winter music and seasonal carols, don't miss our youngest singers performing together from the ages of 5 - 18!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
- New Appointment for our Youth Choirs Artistic Director
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Date Posted: Thu, 24 Oct 2024
Congratulations to our Youth Choirs Artistic Director, Lynsey Callaghan, who has just been appointed the Principal Conductor of the National Youth Choir (9-15 Years)!
Commenting on the appointment, Lynsey said “The National Youth Choir is an inspiring organisation, bringing together so many wonderful young people with diverse experiences to create excellent music together. I am immensely grateful to have an opportunity to play a role in this organisation, and I look forward to working with the team to continue and expand on this important work.”
Lynsey's leadership of our Youth Choirs is inspirational and we look forward to hearing her plans for the National Youth Choir in 2025 - for more details visit the National Youth Choir website here
- Chorus Director James Grossmith on Classical Connections (Belfast Philharmonic Choir)
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Date Posted: Tue, 15 Oct 2024
Our Chorus Director James Grossmith spoke with BBC Radio Ulster presenter John Toal for 'Classical Connections' on Sunday 13th October about the upcoming season opener, 'This Shining Night' in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Carryduff.
Listen back at the link (18 minutes and 50 seconds) to hear what to expect from the first concert of our special 150th anniversary season!
For more details check out our event page here.For more information, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0023wny
- First Concert of the 150th Anniversary Season Announced (Belfast Philharmonic Choir)
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Date Posted: Tue, 1 Oct 2024
We are delighted to announce the first concert of our 150th anniversary season, 'This Shining Night'!
The Belfast Philharmonic Choir will perform a special fundraising concert in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Carryduff on Saturday 19th October at 7.45pm featuring music by James Whitbourn and Elaine Hagenberg (doors open at 7.15pm).
Conducted by James Grossmith with pianist Gail Evans, more details can be found on our event page here or by opening the flyer below.
- Elijah Rehearsal (Belfast Philharmonic Choir)
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Date Posted: Mon, 23 Sep 2024
We had a great rehearsal on Saturday practising Mendelssohn's Elijah for our upcoming concert with the Ulster Orchestra. It is a special piece for the Society as it was performed at our first concert 150 years ago!
Sign up to our newsletter here to be the first to hear all about the exciting plans we have for our anniversary season which will be announced soon, and visit the link below to book tickets for Elijah on Friday 29th November at 7.45pm in the Ulster Hall.
For more information, see: www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk/whats-on/29-nov-24_grossmith_belfast-philharmonic-choir_mendelssohn_elijah/
- 150th anniversary season off to a great start!
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Date Posted: Thu, 5 Sep 2024
We are delighted to have started our 150th anniversary season this week with some very busy taster sessions and open rehearsals across all our choirs!
Another open rehearsal for the adult choir will take place on Wednesday 11th September from 7.30pm - 9.45pm in St. Bride's Hall and also on this date, auditions will take place for the Youth and Chamber Choirs (for young people aged 11-18). Auditions for the adult choir will happen on Saturday 14th September from 10am - 4pm and other dates and times can be arranged.
If you missed the taster sessions and open rehearsals for the Phil Youth Choirs, please get in touch to arrange a time to attend a rehearsal as we will be accepting applications all term and we would love to hear from you.
For more information about joining our adult and Youth Choirs, check out the drop down menus above or contact our Interim General Manager Clíona Donnelly at manager@belfastphilharmonic.org.uk or by phone on 07849164936 with any questions.
- Join Us for our 150th anniversary season in 2024-25!
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Date Posted: Tue, 9 Jul 2024
Open rehearsals, taster sessions and auditions for all the Belfast Philharmonic Society choirs are now confirmed and for more details, choose from the 'Adult Choir' or 'Youth Choirs' drop down menus above.
'The Phil' is celebrating its 150th anniversary during the 2024-25 season so it's a perfect time to join!
- James Grossmith joins the Society as Chorus Director (Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Belfast Philharmonic Choir)
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Date Posted: Mon, 15 Aug 2022
The Belfast Philharmonic Society are pleased to announce that James Grossmith will become the Society's new Chorus Director in November 2022. James joins us from the Royal Swedish Opera where he is Principal Chorus Master, and prior to that he was Chorus Master and Staff Conductor at Scottish Opera. Katherine Hanratty, Chair of the Belfast Philharmonic Society: "I am delighted to welcome James Grossmith as our new Chorus Director. He brings a wealth of experience and skills and we are looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons and in preparation for our 150th Anniversary season in 2024/25."
The adult choir will have an interim director from September to mid-November, but James will be holding auditions in late September for prospective new members, so keep an eye on our social media or e-list for details.
For more information, see: www.belfastphilharmonic.org.uk/chorus-director
