Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Founded by Glenn Mallory in 1965, the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has given the joy and discipline of orchestral music to hundreds of young people, and has delighted the thousands for whom they have played. Graduates of the orchestra are involved in professional and community orchestras across Canada, in the United States and in Europe. Even those who have not followed a musical career remain enriched by a musical and social experience that offers continuing pleasure as adults.

Dr. Mallory retired in November of 2006 and was succeeded by Paul McCulloch, a cellist and conductor who is an alumnus of the orchestra.

At present, the orchestra is comprised of forty-eight young people between the ages of 13 and 19. They come from all areas in the region, and from a wide variety of backgrounds. After a successful audition, each young musician must make a year long commitment to regular rehearsals and performances. Private study is strongly encouraged.

The orchestra performs not only the standard symphonic repertoire, but also contemporary works, some of which have been commissioned especially for them. In addition to performing regular local concerts, the orchestra has performed as far afield as Banff, Moosonee, Carnegie Hall, New York, Huntsville, Alabama and Northampton, England. The orchestra has just returned from a successful tour of Eastern Ontario.

The HPYO is Orchestra in Residence at Hillfield Strathallan College, in Hamilton.