It was only two years
since Rotary International established its first service club in Canada. Two
years later, the City of Hamilton had a Rotary Club, and for the Christmas
season of 1914, the club organized a major fund-raising effort for the Local
Relief Fund.
The idea was to
enlist the finest musical talent in Hamilton and present a concert at the Grand
Opera House, all receipts going to help Hamiltonians in need at Christmas.
As described by a
reporter in attendance, the concert, held two days before Christmas day, 1914 “attracted
a large and interested audience, and it proved to be one of the most enjoyable
musical events of the season. The affair was under the auspices of the members
of the Rotary club, and the talent secured was of the best.”1
1 “Relief
Concert”
Hamilton
Spectator. December 24, 1914.
The concert was too
full of highlights to compliment one performance over another so note was of
every musical artist and their contribution to the evening’s success:
“The program opened
with the 13th Royal Regiment band’s master piece, the William Tell
overture, and, as usual, it was given a magnificent rendition.
“Then came the
Hamilton Male quartet, which sang that patriotic song, Hail, Hail, King George,
in splendid style.
“Mr. Frank Blachford,
always a favorite with Hamilton audiences, contributed to the enjoyment of the evening with two
numbers in the first part, assisted by W. H. Hewlett. George Allan, the
baritone, sang England’s Battle Hymn, assisted by the Male Quartet, and this
was followed, in turn, by the rendition of the selection from Attillia, by the
band, which closed the first part.
“Roy Anderson, solo
cornetist of the band, opened the second part, playing The Lost Chord, with
band accompaniment. His solo was beautifully played and merited the encore
which was demanded.
“The humorous qualities
of the Male Quartet demonstrated themselves in the encore given in the second
part. The singing of this organization was greatly enjoyed.
“The rendition of
Massenet’s Meditation, by Mr. Blachford, was an artistic piece of work.
“Tommy Atkins, that
ever-popular war song, was sung by Mr. Allan, assisted by the Male Quartet. The
dash and spirit of the song were truly interpreted by these artists to the
utter satisfaction of the audience.
“The closing number
of the the program was a patriotic selection by the band.”1
The audience was
given a surprise by for the beloved former leader of the 13th band
but who had passed the baton to his son:
“During the course of
the evening, an extra number was played by the band, directed by Lieut. George
R. Robinson, the honorary bandmaster.
“The piece was The 13th
Inspection March, which the veteran bandmaster composed recently and dedicated to
the 13th Royal Regiment for use on review parades
“Lieut. Robinson was
given an ovation upon his appearance at the head of his former command.”1
The evening was a
great success. All tickets to the concert had been sold previously by members
of the Rotary club. All funds raised had already been forwarded to the Local
Relief Fund, so they the money could be put to use to make Christmas day, 1914
a little merrier for many Hamiltonians.
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