1914-07-11aaj

“Last night’s crowd at the Industrial Exposition was the largest which has yet turned out to see the splendid exhibition, and to hear the excellent band of Creatore in their interpretation of some of Wagner’s masterpieces.”

Hamilton Times.    July 11, 1914.

The Industrial Exposition held in Hamilton’s armories in July, 1914 was a major event, well-attended. While good crowds ventured to the big facility of James Street North to see displays of the latest industrial products being produced in Hamilton and vicinity, the largest attendance was to hear Professor Giuseppe Creatore’s Italian Band, one of the most famous musical outfits of the era.

Creatore was internationally famous and to have him and his band in Hamilton was a major coupe. To pay tribute to Creatore on the last day of his series of concerts at the Industrial Exhibition, a special banquet, organized by the Hamilton Canadian Club, was held in his honor in the north armory hall.

About 200 invited guests were invited to the luncheon, which was served by the ladies of the First Methodist Church.

After the edibles were consumed, a series of speakers made appropriate remarks for the occasion.

First was C. E. Main of the Hamilton Canadian Club who after speaking “of the pleasure the club felt at being able to entertain so renowned a musician as Signor Creatore,” proceeded to make some remarks about the Canadian Club, noting as usual that the club was first started in Hamilton before it spread across the country.

Mr. Martin then introduced former Hamilton Mayor George Lees who had been given the task of introducing Creatore to the banquet guests :

“Mr. Lees said he was at a loss to know why this honor should nhave fallen upon him, except that he was instrumental in securing the engagement of this conductor. However, though it has been said that this gentleman was from sunny Italy, he had exercised very wise discrimination when he had chosen as his wife an Irish girl from Philadelphia.”¹

¹ “8,000 to 10,000 at Exhibition in Drill Hall : Canadian Club Tendered Luncheon to Signor Creatore and Wife and Local Bandmasters”

Hamilton Times.   July 11, 1914

In reply, Signor Creatore managed only a few remarks as his command of the English language was limited:

“He expressed thanks to the people of this city for the way in which they had received and appreciated the music furnished by his band, and said he hoped he would have the opportunity to return again to this city.”¹

Next on the speakers’ list was C. E. McCullough whose task was to introduce Signora Creatore. Although asked to confine himself to a “few remarks,” the characteristically loquacious McCullough managed to cover several subjects in addition to presenting Creatore’s wife:

“McCulloch made some very valuable suggestions for the music-loving citizens of the Ambitious City. He said that Ireland was very prominent at that gathering, and from the Emerald Isle had come many men who were famous ex-soldiers, musicians and politicians, and he hoped that the people of that country would be spared ructions in the near future, which were threatening on the horizon. He had heard that the wife of the famous band conductor possessed a very fine voice, which had given pleasure in many cities in the States, and hoped that some of the people of Hamilton would have a chance to hear her sing. As for the band, he considered it should be termed an orchestra rather than a band, so splendid were its renderings of classical and everyday music. He then referred to the fact that Hamilton had 400 manufacturing plants in its midst, and these gave employment to as many people as populated many small towns and villages.” ¹

McCulloch then continued to laud Hamilton’s musical culture, referring specifically to three of the city’s main musical leaders who were at the banquet:

“The city should be one of music lovers, and Dr. Vogt, who was in the city yesterday, and is leader of the Mendelssohn Choir of Toronto, had expressed the opinion that it should be the center of an annual or biennial musical festival, and he had the authority of this well-known leader for the statement that Hamilton would be the very best place for such a festival. He referred to the excellent work accomplished by Bruce Carey with his Elgar Choir and the regimental bands under the leadership of Messrs. Stares and Robinson, and remarked that had it not been for these musical organizations, along with Signor Creatore’s incomparable band, the exposition would not have been anything  like the success it now had.”¹

When Signora Creator, who had no difficulty speaking English finally was given the opportunity to speak, she kept her remarks short, saying that she was pleased to be at the banquet and that she was thankful to the citizens of Hamilton for their cordial welcome.

Locally renowned bandmasters Stares and Robinson were asked to the podium together where they moved a hearty vote of thanks to Signor Creatore for his excellent, masterly musical offerings to the Hamilton public..

Later that evening, Creatore’s concert was attended by a huge crowd estimated at minimally 8,000 people, perhaps closer to 10,000 in the audience.

The Times reporter at the concert was mightily impressed:

“The music supplied by the band was of the usual excellence and, judging by the large attendance and their earnest attention, there must be many admirers of the distinctive music of Wagner, whose compositions have aroused more criticism than those of any other composer.

“Though his works are entirely different to those of other composers, Signor Creatore showed his remarkable ability in his leading of the band, and the renderings were exquisite.”¹

The Spectator also sent a reporter to be part of the record crowd at the Creatore Band’s final concert of July 1914 in Hamilton:

“Needless to say, their playing met with the entire approval of everyone present, and general regret was to be heard of all sides that they were not able to remain for another week.

“Their effort’s throughout the week were highly appreciated, and they made a considerable hit in this city, so much so that before many moons shine they will likely be found back here again. They were forced to accede to the request of the multitude time after time and play encores, with which they were quite liberal.”²

² “Paid Tribute to Creatore and his Band :

Great Crowds Grew Enthusiastic at the Industrial Exposition Saturday Night.”

Hamilton Spectator.   July 12, 1914.