The Elysian Singers of London

Performing Ensemble

The Elysian Singers of London The Elysian Singers of London is one of the UK’s leading chamber choirs. Founded in 1986, the group quickly developed an interest in contemporary music, giving world premieres by a number of composers including John Tavener, who was the choir’s Patron until his death in 2013. World premieres include a performance of Tavener’s Monument to Beethoven at the Royal Festival Hall (2014), Ian Stephens’ Timepieces (2011), John Habron’s Salve Regina (2008), and Exile Lamentations (2009) by Paul Stanhope. The group’s first CD of James MacMillan’s music, Cantos Sagrados, received a five-star rating from BBC Music Magazine. TV and radio highlights include the first broadcast performances of Górecki’s Miserere and Three Lullabies on BBC Radio 3, and live performances on Radio 3’s “In Tune” programme.

In 2015 the upper voices of the choir made their debut performance at the BBC Proms, providing the offstage chorus for Holst’s The Planets with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and in 2017 the lower voices were delighted to make their debut with the renowned violist Lawrence Power at the West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival.

The Elysian Singers are now privileged to have Sir James MacMillan as the choir’s patron. In 2019 the group released its second CD of his music, One Equal Music, receiving a five-star rating in Choir and Organ and the accolade of “first among equals” in Gramophone. The CD was launched at a concert conducted by James MacMillan, and several tracks broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

The choir’s latest disc on Signum Records, Beauty for Ashes, is due for release in 2025, and features a wide variety of music by the best contemporary British female and male composers.

Biographical Details

Works performed by The Elysian Singers of London

World premiereLondon premiere

Festival performances by The Elysian Singers of London

World premiereLondon premiere

LFCCM 2025

LFCCM 2011

LFCCM 2009