London Philharmonic Choir Appoints New Chorus Director

Madeleine Venner will step into the role

The London Philharmonic Choir (LPC) has announced that conductor Madeleine Venner has been appointed as its new Chorus Director. She succeeds Neville Creed, who has served the group for the past 30 years, and she will step into the role from the opening of the 2025/26 season.

Venner is a distinguished chorus-master, having worked in this capacity for Opera Rara, the Hallé Concerts Society, and the Philharmonia Chorus. She is no stranger to LPC, having taken their rehearsals in the past alongside those of the BBC Symphony Chorus.

In addition, she has served as the Musical Director for chamber choirs such as Londinium, and as a guest conductor for London Lyric Opera.

Venner studied music at the University of Cambridge, where she received her undergraduate degree and completed a master's degree in musicology. She completed further training as both a singer and a repetiteur at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

She becomes the sixth LPC Chorus Director since the choir was founded in 1947.

"We are thrilled to welcome Madeleine Venner as our new Chorus Director," said Tessa Bartley, Chair of the London Philharmonic Choir. "Her extensive experience and passion for choral music make her the ideal candidate to guide the LPC into its next chapter. The Board and I look forward to working with Madeleine and the LPO on exciting plans including celebrating our 80th anniversary in 2027."

"I'm so happy that Madeleine has accepted the role as Chorus Director of the LPC," said Edward Gardner, Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. "She has a formidable pedigree in directing and training choirs, and in the interview and audition for this job came across as an intrepid thinker, great musician and charismatic leader. I can’t wait to begin our music-making together."