HAMILTON, ON—The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to congratulate former Music Director James Sommerville, who was honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal during a special ceremony hosted by The Honourable Filomina Tassi last weekend. Several members of the HPO Board, staff and donors attended the presentation of the medal, held at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is the first in more than seventy years to mark a coronation. “We are delighted to see James recognized for his remarkable career in music. Throughout his time with the HPO, he elevated the orchestra to new heights by enhancing artistic excellence, fostering stronger connections with our community and expanding our role in music education in schools.” said HPO Board Chair, Alex Muggah.
Hamiltonians will remember James as the former HPO Music Director for seven seasons (2007-2015). The American orchestral community will know him from his 25-year tenure as Principal Horn for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also made appearances as a conductor or soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, Symphony Nova Scotia, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the US Brass Ensemble and more. Somerville formerly served as the acting solo horn of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
As an educator, James Sommerville has made a lasting impact as a long-standing faculty member at the New England Conservatory. He has also taught at Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, University of Toronto, McGill University, Dalhousie University, The Longy School, Oberlin College and more. James’ receipt of this Royal honour is an acknowledgement of his significant contributions which help bolster the Hamilton and Canadian arts communities.
On receipt of this award, Sommerville said: “It was with a sense of profound gratitude and humility that I stood and accepted the King Charles III Coronation Medal, in a ceremony in Ancaster on January 11. I shared the stage with an inspiring array of community leaders; teachers, athletes, environmentalists, soldiers and more, all receiving their due for massive contributions to the social fabric of the Hamilton area. I share this award in spirit with the many stakeholders and patrons of the HPO, who create the space, year after year, for our musicians to make magic for the people of the region.”
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is administered by The Office of Secretary to the Governor General and was limited to only 30,000 total awardees. Congratulations, James!
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to support the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
Christopher Butler
Marketing and Communications Manager
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
289.216.8305 | cbutler@hpo.org