Honorary Patron
Countess Cecilia Rodrigo
Honorary President
The Lord Mayor of Exeter
Honorary Vice Presidents
Paul Morgan, Raymond Calcraft,
Andrew Millington, Councillor Kevin Mitchell
Countess Cecilia Rodrigo
Honorary President
The Lord Mayor of Exeter
Honorary Vice Presidents
Paul Morgan, Raymond Calcraft,
Andrew Millington, Councillor Kevin Mitchell
Director of Music
Howard Ionascu
Associate Director of Music
Stephen Tanner
Associate Director of Music
Stephen Tanner
Exeter Philharmonic Choir was founded in 1846, making it one of the oldest amateur choirs in the UK. It began as the Exeter Oratorio Society, when a small group of Cathedral singers and local musicians came together to perform the great works they loved. The choir gave its first concert in 1847, Handel’s Messiah, and has continued to perform in Exeter every year since - an unbroken tradition that has endured through world wars and pandemics alike.
180 years later, Exeter Philharmonic Choir remains at the heart of the city’s musical life, continuing the tradition established by that original group of enthusiastic singers and players.
With around 100 members, the choir performs a wide range of music, from much-loved classics to new commissions, and regularly collaborates with professional orchestras and soloists to ensure performances of the highest quality.
Supporting charitable causes is an important part of the choir’s commitment to the wider community, combining the joy of singing with the opportunity to give something back. Exeter Philharmonic Choir has not only brought great choral music to the city but has also used its performances to support good causes, helping to raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities. Whether singing in Exeter’s historic buildings or presenting special charity concerts, members are proud to use their music to make a positive difference.
