‘The Phil’ choir sing outdoors in York St Helen’s Square

The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir sang in front of the St Helen’s Square Christmas tree today (December 14).

Ahead of this weekend’s outdoor performance, businesses on the edge of St Helen’s Square – The Ivy, Impossible York, Betty’s, Mansion House and Harkers – donated raffle prizes and the charities who will receive donations the performance include Shine21, Menfulness and North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre.

A crowd soon filled the sqaure and paused to listen to the performance as well as making donations for good causes (Image: Kevin Glenton) It’s been a busy December for the soon-to-be ‘centenarian’ choir.

Last night (December 13) The Press was invited to The Bar Convent Carol Concert which featured ‘The Phil’ to give them their colloquial name, where they filled each corner of the packed chapel with carols and were joined by the audience in three community favourites.

‘The Phil’ ahead of yesterday’s (December 13) performance at The Bar Convent in Blossom Street (Image: Kevin Glenton) Proceeds from that performance went towards supporting the continuing work of The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre and also towards support for the choir.

Earlier this month, a run in front of full-houses of the choir’s annual ‘Christmas Traditions’ were really well received, according to choir chairman Mike Wash, with more tickets sold for the Friday performance than in previous years.

First performed in the 1960s as Carols in Kirkgate, there followed a move to Merchants Adventurers Hall, then the De Grey Rooms and now the Citadel Church in Gillygate.

The Press will be following ‘The Phil’ throughout their centenary year of celebrations.