History
Originally called the Christchurch Orchestral Society, the Canterbury Philharmonia began rehearsals in February 1952, with forty enthusiastic players under conductor Hans Colombi. The society was formed with the purpose of promoting, holding and and conducting regular rehearsals and concerts, with the hope that in so doing the society could also foster public interest in music.
There have been two previous Orchestras with the same name. The first was formed about 1872 by Alexander Lean but collapsed in 1878. Later the Christchurch Amateur Orchestra Society was formed and they performed through to the 1890s.
Over the years many significant musicians have conducted the orchestra including Frank John, Arthur Hart, Stephen Delaney, Tom Brown, John Emeleus and Graeme Wallis.
Our conductor, Mark Hodgkinson, celebrated 30 years with the orchestra in 2018.
There have been two previous Orchestras with the same name. The first was formed about 1872 by Alexander Lean but collapsed in 1878. Later the Christchurch Amateur Orchestra Society was formed and they performed through to the 1890s.
Over the years many significant musicians have conducted the orchestra including Frank John, Arthur Hart, Stephen Delaney, Tom Brown, John Emeleus and Graeme Wallis.
Our conductor, Mark Hodgkinson, celebrated 30 years with the orchestra in 2018.