“With music, one’s whole future life is brightened” Zoltan Kodaly
Your support enables Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to continue its long track-record of supporting choral singing through education. Each year we organise rehearsals, workshops, training sessions and concerts for over 2,000 choristers. We take our choristers’ professional development seriously, wanting them to learn whilst having fun with like-minded colleagues and, at the same time, singing great musical masterpieces from across five centuries.
More specifically your support will aid our two flagship educational initiatives, our Conducting Fellows and Emerging Composers. Programs that directly support the development of young talent which will ensure the future health and excellence of Australian choral music.
“It’s been so valuable to learn from outstanding conductors, explore unique repertoire, and be part of such a warm and supportive community.”
~ Michael Bradshaw, Conducting Fellow
Conducting Fellows
Each year Sydney Philharmonia Choirs offers two aspiring conductors the opportunity to immerse themselves in choral/orchestral repertoire for 12 months, mentored by experienced conducting professionals and learning to lead rehearsals and prepare for performances.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs has become a central feature of Sydney’s cultural landscape, performing concerts, advocating for choral singing, and commissioning composers for over 100 years. SPC is a Resident Company at the Sydney Opera House, long-term Chorus for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, as well as running its own self-promoted concert series every year. These Fellowships present an invaluable opportunity for two conductors to immerse themselves in this rich musical landscape, at the forefront of classical music-making in this country and to be guided by recognised figures in the industry.
In 2025, SPC’s Conducting Fellows are Michael Bradshaw and Ezra Hersch.
Emerging Composers
Founded in 2025, The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Emerging Composer Awards has been created to give two emerging composers each year the opportunity to write a piece to be performed by one of Sydney Philharmonia’s ensembles. These composers will be paid a commission fee for their work, will be mentored by SPC’s very experienced Music Staff, will be able to workshop their ideas with Sydney Philharmonia singers and most importantly, will have their works performed in one of the most iconic performance venues in the world, the Sydney Opera House.
In 2025, SPC’s Emerging Composers are Kayla Erin Hinton and Phillip Cullen.
