About Us
Winchester Philharmonic Choir is one of Hampshire’s longest-established choral groups, previously well-known as Winchester Music Club, and dating back to its foundation by Dr George Dyson of Winchester College in 1925.
The choir benefits greatly from its close association with Winchester College, whose Director of Music Sarah Baldock is our leader. The college generously welcomes the choir to rehearse in its Music School.
Our choir of some 75 singers performs two public concerts a year – one in Winchester Cathedral and the other in Winchester College – with professional soloists, and accompanied by Winchester Philharmonic Choir Orchestra (including professional musicians). We also offer open workshops and ‘Come and Sing’ events during the year. Both established singers and beginners are welcomed to come and sit in at rehearsals to try out the experience of performing in a large group.
Winter Concert
The next major event for Winchester Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra will be Handel’s “Messiah” in Winchester Cathedral on Saturday January 20th 2024. We are very pleased to be joined by the cathedral’s girl choristers for the event, and together with Winchester College Choral Society we hope to have over 150 singers. Rehearsals commence on Tuesday September 12th at St. Michael’s Church in Kingsgate Street, SO23 9PF.
Spring Concert
Our 2024 Spring Concert will be on March 23rd in New Hall at Winchester College, where the choir and orchestra, together with professional soloists, will perform Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solonelle.”.
Charity Concerts
December usually finds members of Music Club singing at a carol concert in Winchester in support of local charities.
Come and Sing
Once a year we offer fellow singers the opportunity to join us in a shared rehearsal and informal performance of selected choral works. It’s a lovely chance to see our rehearsal space, experience one of our expert conductors and explore new work – as well as making friends!
Open Workshops
We also invite experienced vocal coaches to share their expertise in workshops designed to give singers of all ability the knowledge to improve. This is another opportunity for local singers to have some fun and meet new people.
Come and listen and join
We’d love to see you at our next Concert, Workshop or Come & Sing event. Please take a look at our planned events pages, where you can find details and buy tickets. If you are thinking of returning to, or taking up choral singing, do come along in September to one of our rehearsals.