Event Details

For over 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented professional 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.

The HPO is committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility in all areas including at mainstage concerts (in-person and digitally) each season. The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (administered by the HPO since 2021), serves as the flagship music education program for youth in the area. Your HPO is also committed to performing across the Hamilton region through 60+ community-based partner programs including music education, talks at libraries, chamber music concerts in diverse neighbourhoods, lifelong learning and wellness events.

This application is for the “Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra 2026-2027 Season” taking place from October 3, 2026, to May 15, 2027, at the FirstOntario Concert Hall, The Cotton Factory, and St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton. Programming includes: (1) Main stage: the Mainstage concert series will feature 9 performances that are curated under the categories: Masterworks; and Entertainment. Programming is guided by the artistic theme The Elements. This thematic framework will guide programming that explores connections between music, nature, and human experience, creating a cohesive and immersive audience journey across the season: Of note in the Masterworks category is a full-length production of Carmen, featuring an international collaboration with the Bayerische Staatsoper Opera Studio. In the Entertainment category is a Murdoch Mysteries symphonic concert, which will be the first production of its kind in the region; (2) A co-presentation of Handel’s Messiah with the Bach Elgar Choir (December 4 and 6, 2026 at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church). (3) An Intimate & Immersive concert at The Cotton Factory (April 1, 2027); and (4) An education concert connected to the April 17, 2027, mainstage performance of Carnival of the Animals.