The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus was founded in 1935 as the resident chorus for the new Philharmonic Society’s series of concerts in Sheffield City Hall, and was formed from two Sheffield choirs whose origins date back to the 1860s.

Rehearsals usually take place on Tuesday evenings (7pm–9pm), in Lecture Theatre 4, in the basement of the Arts Tower, University of Sheffield. However, during the Arts Tower's refurbishments this Autumn, rehearsals will resume on 7th September at Sheffield Springs Academy on Hurlfield Road, Sheffield S12 2SF. All are welcome!

The 2009-10 season contained several performances in Sheffield City Hall, culminating in a performance of Brahms’s wonderful German Requiem. Our latest CD was recently released, and this season also saw a performance in Birmingham recorded for DVD, as well as a BBC radio broadcast.

During Spring 2010, the chorus also performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in the world-touring Star Wars in Concert events. These multi-media events, narrated by Anthony Daniels (C3PO), feature John Williams' classic scores and footage from all six films. The chorus participated in concerts in Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle during March and April 2010.

2010 sees the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus celebrating its 75th year. A commemorative book, looking at the history of the chorus, has been published and is available to purchase. Further details about this publication and other events marking our 75th year can be found on our 75th birthday page.

The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus sings with leading conductors and orchestras and fulfils a challenging and exciting programme under the vibrant and inspiring leadership of its Musical Director, Darius Battiwalla. Other recent highlights include a contribution to the 2008 Prom concerts, a broadcast performance in Manchester of Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Edward Downes, performances of Verdi’s Requiem in both Leeds and Manchester under Gianandrea Noseda, two performances of Rachmaninov’s The Bells with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and broadcasts of Shostakovich’s Symphony no.13 from Manchester, Brahms’s German Requiem from Leeds, and Delius’s Sea Drift from Bradford. Few in the chorus will forget the choir’s two performances of Rachmaninov’s unaccompanied Vespers, in Sheffield Cathedral and in Lincoln Cathedral.

The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus always welcomes new members; more details are given on the page for prospective members.