The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir makes its debut at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.
With one hundred and ten amateur singers, the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir is one of three choirs supported by the national broadcaster, the other two being the RTÉ Chamber Orchestra and the RTÉ Chorus.
The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir inaugural concert took place on 19 June 1985 in the National Concert Hall, with a programme including two works by German composer George Frideric Handel.
'Zadok The Priest' is an anthem composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II and his wife Queen Caroline, and is considered one of the best examples of Handel’s ceremonial music.
The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, led by Alan Smale and conducted by Colin Mawby.
'Choral Concert’ was recorded on 19 June 1985 and broadcast on RTÉ Radio on 14 July 1985. The presenter is Bernadette Comerford.
The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir would become the National Symphony Chorus Ireland.
The accompanying photograph shows the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre in March 1985. Photograph by Eve Holmes.
