The present Christchurch Orchestral Society commenced rehersals in February 1952 and became an incorporated society several months later.
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 1890’s.
In 1908 the Christchurch Orchestral Society was reformed but this was wound up during the early years of the second World War. In 1948 the Christchurch Musicians’ Union was foremost in forming the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. The conductor was Mr. Tom Kirk-Burnand of the wartime Kiwi Concert Party. After an enthusiastic start the organisation succumbed in 1950 largely from lack of players. Soon after Mr Sturz Barltrop, a clarinet player from Dunedin, revived the enthusiasm of a number of former players and our present society was formed.
Several names were suggested for the Orchestra but eventually, with the blessing of the Music Council and the Christchurch City Council, the name finally chosen was, ‘The Christchurch Orchestral Society’ and as such the society became incorporated in May 1952. The insignia of the Orchestra, the crossed violin and trumpet, was designed several years later by Mr. Francis Shurrock, Senior Lecturer in Sculpture and Fine Arts.
The first conductor was Mr. Hans Colombi, a Swiss musician recently settled in Christchurch and also Conductor of Radio 3YA studio orchestra as well as music master at Christ’s College. The orchestra’s first concert under his baton was given at the Repertory Theatre, Kilmore Street on the 17th July 1952. A large audience attended including the Deputy Mayor, Sir George Manning and the chairman of the Civic Music Council, Sir James Hay. Both spoke in praise of the new amateur orchestra and this, with kind response from the music critics, augered well for the society’s future.
In the next two years several concerts were performed in the Repertory and Civic Theatres, trips were made to the Timaru Sound Shell and two concerts were given on the Archery Lawn in the Botanic Gardens. This period culminated with the Coronation Concert in conjunction with the R.C.M.S. and the Harmonic Society in the King Edward Barracks under the aegis of the City Council. Arrangements had been made for the orchestra to play in the Regent Theatre on the occasion of the Queen’s visit, in 1954, but only ten days before the performance an unfortunate disagreement over limiting numbers to play and their ability, led to Mr.Colombi’s resignation and the honour of the performance went to the 3YA orchestra with many of the same players who were also conducted by Colombi..
Several well known musicians assisted the society temporarily including Mr. Tom Kirk-Burnand and Mr. William Craven. Mr. Louis Fox was appointed conductor but left to take up a position in Invercargill before giving a public performance. Mr. Frank John, a recognized trombonist, was appointed and several concerts were given before he resigned in 1959. At this stage the fortunes of the society were at a low ebb and collapse seemed likely.
Mr. Arthur Hart, a music teacher and flautist, was appointed conductor and his enthusiasm soon induced a number of new players to join. Sunday afternoon concerts were started in the Lady Wigram Hall and a process of development began. After 18 months Mr. Hart returned to the U.K. and Mr. Stephen Delaney was appointed. Mr. Delaney was a well qualified musician with a long association with the C.S.I.M.
Sunday concerts became an established practise. Several venues were used for these, for example, Christchurch Girls High School Hall, the University Hall, and the Fendalton Community Centre Hall. Under Mr Delaney’s conductorship of ten years, regular concerts were held about every four months. It was not an easy time for the orchestra with shortage of players, indifferent audiences and limited funds.
In 1970 Mr Delaney handed his baton to Mr. Thomas Brown who proved to be a musician of tremendous enthusiasm. He was deeply involved with music making in schools, being the music master at Mairehau High School.
The Orchestra’s association with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, as well as the Christchurch Operatic Society, led to some members playing in the pit for their productions and the donations received for their participation boosted the Orchestral Society’s funds during the early 1970’s. Mr Brown introduced a great variety of music with modern music interspersed between tried and trusted favourites. He conducted for the Orchestra’s 25th Jubilee Concert at the James Hay Theatre, 30th. April, 1977.
Mr.John Emeleus took over the baton in early 1983. Mr. Emeleus was born in Ireland and had attended The Royal Academy of Music, London where he had studied Composition, Piano and Viola. After teaching for a couple of years John came to New Zealand and took up the position as Music Specialist at Heretaunga College until 1967 when he shifted to Invercargill as District Music Advisor. From 1970 to 1979 he became Senior Lecturer at Palmerston North Teachers College. In 1980 John was Teacher Fellow at the University of Canterbury and from 1981 -1998 was Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Christchurch College of Education. The Orchestra continued to grow under his enthusiastic expertise and friendly conductorship.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s some members of the orchestra performed as an Viennese Orchestra and played at University Graduation Balls and several passing out functions at Wigram Air Force Base. Like the 1970’s the donations received were very important to the Society funds.
Having soloists included in concert progams has become an important part of the 0rchestra. Several of the younger soloists have won the Christchurch Orchestral Society Scholarship Award, and as well as giving them experience with a full orchestra, the members in the orchestra always enjoys the experience of playing these Concertos.
At the end of 1987, because of injury, John Emeleus handed his baton over to our present conductor, Mr. Mark Hodgkinson. Under his direction the orchestra has continued to improve as he presents more challenging works and draws the members along with his enthusiasm and obvious musical ability. Mark is a very talented trumpet player. He is Musical Director of Da Capo and Director of Notturno and a freelance conductor/musical director for Music theatre and opera. He has studied with Vanco Cavadarski and Sir William Southgate. A scholarship from the Music Associates of Aspen and a study grant from Creative New Zealand allowed him to attend the Aspen Music Festival and School in 1995.
Graeme Wallis and Neville Forsythe have also been guest conductors for the orchestra.
During 1990 the Christchurch Orchestral Society committee and members voted to change the name of the orchestra to the Canterbury Philharmonia which is intended to give a more up-market image for the present time. A new logo is now used on our programs.
Soloists and guests continue to be part of the orchestra programs.Many of the young soloists who have played with us have moved on to successful professional musical careers.
Over the years the orchestra has also been fortunate in having many talented players amongst its members and some of these people have become professionals and made music their livelihood. Our present Orchestra has close to 60 players.
Written by Clive Morriss, June 2002