The Edinburgh Royal Choral Union is one of Scotland's foremost choral societies and Edinburgh's oldest choir. Established in 1858, the Choral continues to perform a wide variety of major works from the choral repertoire. Although it is an independent chorus, it has worked closely in recent years with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, most recently in a performance of Rachmaninvov's "The Bells" in May 2005 under the baton of Martyn Brabbins.

The Choral has played a significant part in the musical life of the Scotland, having given the first Scottish performances of many works, including Bach's B Minor Mass. The choir also performed at the opening of the Usher Hall in 1914 and retains a strong association with this venue to the present day.

The Choral comprises around 120 members who rehearse every week. Recent concert conductors include Martyn Brabbins (BBC Scottish SO), Roderick Brydon (Los Angeles Opera and Queensland SO), Simon Halsey (CBSO and Berlin Philharmonic), Paul Mann (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and LSO) and Brian Kay (BBC Radio 3).

There is an illustrious history of performance with orchestras such as the Hallé, the Royal Philharmonic, The London Symphony, the Vienna Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony and the Royal Scottish National under such legendry figures as Sir Henry Wood, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Otto Klemperer, Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Charles Groves and Vernon Handley. But the ERCU is a modern choral society and aims to provide both Edinburgh and the wider Scottish musical scene with ongoing performances of the highest standard.