About
With roots back to 1884, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has created a legacy of music throughout the Greater Hamilton Region that has continued to transform the lives of people of all ages for 140 years. The only professional orchestra in the Region, the HPO is passionate about music. We remain committed to excellence in performance, music education and outreach activities, and improving the quality of life in the community.
Our high quality, inspirational and inclusive live performances in the concert hall and in the community welcome everyone. Through our exceptional educational and enriching programs we continually build inclusivity and relevancy by creating bridges and connections that reveal our common humanity through music.
We remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians through the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year) and fostering emerging composers through HPO’s Composer Fellowships.
In 2023, the HPO was proud to receive the Vida Peene Award for artistic and organizational achievement from the Ontario Arts Council.
Our Impact
When you choose to support the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra through a gift in your will, your gift will help us sustain our rich legacy for future generations!
Inspiring the Next Generation of Music lovers
Our musicians love bringing the magic of orchestral music to children and teens through HPO’s extensive Education programming. In 2023-24:
5 school boards participated in our Education Programs.
8,000+ secondary and elementary school students attended our Schools concert and HPO rehearsals at the FirstOntario Concert Hall and HPO’s in-school performances and mentorship programs.
18 concerts, performed at 13 secondary schools, were also attended by students from 25 elementary schools located nearby.
HPO musicians visited 36 schools.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth (HPYO), celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024-25, is now the flagship music education program for young musicians in the region, closely linked to all community youth music education activities. In 2023-24:
Over $6,000 in bursaries were provided to everyone who needed assistance.
HPYO membership increased 45% to 104.
90% of HPYO musiciansare returning this year.
Fostering Emerging Composers
The HPO’s Composer Fellowship is a unique sixth-month, tuition-free training program that investigates the creative process and business of orchestral composing. Invaluable training and real-world mentorship and experience enable each Fellow to successfully compose a new work to be premiered by the HPO, learn a wide range of new skills in areas such as audience engagement, marketing and funding strategies.
11 early career composers have participated in HPO Composers Fellowships.
Financial Accessibility
We are proud to partner with local non-profit organizations providing valuable services that help make our city great by providing complimentary tickets to our Mainstage concerts for their staff and volunteers. In 2023-24 over 1,500 free tickets were distributed with a value of $82,000.
Inclusive Community Programs for All Ages
60+ community-based partner programs bring music to a wide range of diverse communities, including: music education performances, talks in schools and libraries; performances for children, youth and seniors; chamber music concerts in diverse neighbourhoods; lifelong learning and wellbeing events. For example, Seniors Connect brings hundreds of older adults facing social isolation and other barriers to concerts throughout the season.
How your gift will be used
When you choose to support the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra through a gift in your will, you will help us sustain our rich legacy for future generations!
Our priority projects include:
Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Continuing to grow our Schools Programs
Deepening Community Partnerships and Collaborations
Leaving a legacy gift is one of the best ways you can help ensure that the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike for generations to come!