J. E. P. Aldous and C. L. Harris/Hamilton Philharmonic
Proud Tradition Enriched By Hamilton Philharmonic [from The Spectator]
The following is a transcription of the beginning of this article from The Spectator, author Lena Townsend, October 29, 1954
Proud Tradition Enriched By Hamilton Philharmonic
by Lena Townsend
The name Aldous is the first to appear in the annals of Hamilton's orchestral music. J. E. P. Aldous, a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, was in Paris, when he saw an advertisement for an organist at Central Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Canada. He applied for and got the appointment in 1877.
Amateur Group
In 1885, he formed the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, which was made up entirely of amateur musicians. This group thrived for a time then declined, and was revived in 1889 under the leadership of C. L. Harris.
The new organization was called the Harris Orchestral group. Practices were held in the old Grossman Hall located on James Street North. Two concerts were performed each season and the works of Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Berlioz and other masters as well as a goodly sprinkling of contemporary composers were in the repertoire. Outstanding local artists as well as favourites from the United States were engaged as guest artists. The admission was 25 cents and profits were given to several group causes, One year's surplus was used to found a Music Department in the Hamilton Public Library. Forty volumes were purchased for this purpose.
Significance of the Hamilton Philharmonic
Aldous and Harris did not create the Hamilton Philharmonic, but its predecessor, the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra. This ensemble grew into the Hamilton Philharmonic and is in operation today with a full concert season and professional musicians. The Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, founded and continued by musicians who composed sacred work, is extremely significant in Hamilton's musical history. J. E. P.'s interest in creating a community orchestra as a church musician provides insight on his inner character as a composer and a musician. Despite his experience focused in choral conducting, he adapted to fill the need he saw for an orchestra in the Hamilton area. Introducing a medium to encourage orchestral musicians will progress the scale of musical endeavors in the area to expand past traditional chorus or piano and voice composition. When considering film music in Canada, this is a tremendous point of interest. Hamilton and Toronto were in competition to provide the most desirable location for musicians to practice their craft in. The presence of an orchestra is a strategic and competitive step forward for Hamilton.