Get closer to the music as a Philharmonia Friend
Be part of an engaged community passionate about music, enjoy exclusive benefits and meet the people that make the Philharmonia.
Be at the heart of the Philharmonia
Joining the Friends means being part of an engaged community at the heart of the Philharmonia that brings you closer to the music and the people behind it.
With priority booking, access to our Open Rehearsals, opportunities to meet our players, and much more, you gain new insights and experiences that make the most out of your love of music.
Your membership makes an important contribution to the continued thriving of our Orchestra in support of our energising work on stage and in local communities across the UK.
Membership benefits
Priority booking
Jump the queue and be the first to book for Philharmonia concerts in London, Bedford and Leicester
Open Rehearsals
Join us behind the scenes, get new insights and start listening to your favourites with a fresh pair of ears
Meet our players
Get to know our players and learn more about the music first-hand
Support the Philharmonia
Be a vital pillar of support investing in the whole breadth of our work energising lives with music
Forget booking fees
Skip booking fees every time you book with the Philharmonia
Exclusive events
Be invited to Philharmonia member events and enjoy being part of engaged community
Membership Levels
Symphony Friend |
Concerto Friend |
Overture Friend |
Friend |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority booking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support the Philharmonia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Open Rehearsals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No booking fees | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opportunities to meet Philharmonia players | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitations to Friends events | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Philharmonia Friends Bar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Supporter e-newsletter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Acknowledgement of your support on Philharmonia website | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Invitations to priority access events | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Two complimentary Open Rehearsal tickets per season | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Personal account management, including ticket booking | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Invitations to the Philharmonia Members Lounge | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Acknowledgement of your support in Philharmonia concert programmes | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
PricingTo top up your contribution with a higher donation, call our Friends team on 020 7921 3906. Click below to select your level and join. |
From
£50per month |
From £25per month |
From
£10per month |
From
£5per month |
Gift Aid
Each Friends membership includes a benefit portion (which is the subscription cost of the scheme) plus a suggested annual donation, which is eligible for Gift Aid, as below. For every £1 of your donation, we can claim a further 25p from the government. Make your membership and support go even further by increasing the amount of your donation and selecting a Gift Aid declaration at checkout, if you’re eligible.
Friend: £20 subscription plus £40+ voluntary donation
Overture Friend: £20 subscription plus £100+ voluntary donation
Concerto Friend: £45 subscription plus £255+ voluntary donation
Symphony Friend: £60 subscription plus £540+ voluntary donation
Here to support you
Our dedicated Friends Team is here to support you at all stages of your membership.
We are a group of Philharmonia staff, players and engaged members that look forward to welcoming you to the membership, meeting you at concerts and events, hearing your thoughts and feedback, and helping out with questions and issues anytime.
If you would like to speak to us about becoming a Friend, call our Friends line on 020 7921 3906, weekdays 10am to 5pm, or email us on friends@philharmonia.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
Gift membership
A Friends membership is the perfect gift for the music-lover in your life.
To purchase a Gift Friends membership, please contact the Friends office.
Email friends@philharmonia.co.uk or call 020 7921 3906.
Renew your membership
We are so grateful for your continued support of the Philharmonia Orchestra.
If you would like to renew your membership, upgrade, or switch to Direct Debit, you can log in and update your membership online. Please call or email the Friends office if you would like to renew with a donation above our suggested levels, and we would be delighted to arrange this directly with you.
If you prefer to join or renew your membership over the phone, please call 020 7921 3906 or email the Friends Team and we will call you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my partner or friends?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a party of up to five people including you along to Open Rehearsals or the Friends Bar at concerts, unless specified otherwise. For Open Rehearsals, just book the according number of tickets.
For couples and households – We suggest that couples and households intending to regularly attend and enjoy membership benefits together choose a higher membership amount from £100 per year.
How do Open Rehearsals work?
Open Rehearsals are a great way to see the Philharmonia at work and gaining new perspectives on your favourites and new pieces alike. To attend, book your tickets through our website or by calling the box office. Tickets are £5 per person.
Seating for Open Rehearsals is unreserved in the Front Stalls, so you can find your favourite seat to follow the rehearsal. However, we do reserve the front of the auditorium to remain free for the musicians to use and to maintain a focused atmosphere for the Orchestra.
Rehearsal times are subject to change. We recommend to always check our website for changes ahead of attending.
Concerto and Symphony Friends – Concerto and Symphony level Friends enjoy two complimentary tickets to Open Rehearsals per season.
How do I meet Philharmonia players?
Philharmonia players regularly come along to our Friends Bars before concerts, happy to meet and chat with you. We will also invite you to special events, such as a Q&A with a player, in which you will have the chance to ask your questions and meet our players.