The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic (consisting of Choir and Orchestra), is Australia´s oldest surviving performing arts organization, and has been an important contributor to the cultural life of Melbourne since 1853. A not for profit organization with tax deductible status the RMP is an Incorporated Association based in Melbourne Australia.

In addition its subscription performances in Melbourne and regional Victoria, featuring the RMP have also collaborated with groups such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Australian Army Band , and the Royal Australian Navy Band as well as international ensembles including Bach Choir of London, Academic Orchestra of the University of Stuttgart, Stanford Symphony Orchestra, Choir of Morgan State University and the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University.

The RMP boasts an impressive list of notable international conductors who have appeared with it in its 160 years. These include imminent figures such as Sir Malcolm Sargent, George Szell, Sir Thomas Beacham, Sir Charles Groves, Sir Eugene Goossens and in more recent years Diego Masson, Markus Stenz, David Hill, Ludwig Wicki, Christian Badea and David Lawrence.

The RMP choir has regularly featured at many of Melbourne´s major cultural and sporting events (many of them televised internationally). These include the Melbourne Cup, the AFL Grand Final, International Rugby Finals, the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, the Battle for Australia at the Shrine of Remembrance (since 2010), the Prime Minister´s Olympic Dinner, the Melbourne Awards, Opening ceremony of the Parliament of World religions, the International Comedy Festival Galas and the Victorian Tourism Awards.

The Choir and Orchestra have also backed Australian and International celebrity artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Tim Minchin, Tim Cambell, Delta Godrem, Jenna Rix and Anthony Callea, Silvie Paladino, Marina Prior and many others.

The RMP also plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of classical singers and orchestral musicians. Indeed, the RMP orchestra provides a rich training ground for Victoria´s emerging professional orchestral musicians, as evidenced by its many former members who have gone on to play in ensembles such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and the Australian World Orchestra.

The RMP also supports the development of emerging singers, with the annual RMP Aria Competition: the only singing competition in Australia specifically for the performance of oratorio. Recent winners have gone on to sing successfully both here in Australia and overseas.

Distressingly, while the costs of venue rental, staff remuneration and artist hire fees are rising, funding from government and local council is diminishing and the RMP recently suffered a 100% cut in funding from the City of Melbourne.

Despite this, the RMP's commitment to providing affordable, accessible, high quality concerts to Australian audiences remains as strong today as it has been since 1853.

The RMP seeks your support in ensuring the future of classical music in Melbourne, and the survival of one of Australia's most iconic musical organizations.