2025 was filled with unforgettable music, meaningful connections and moments that reminded us why live performance matters so deeply. Throughout the year, we sparked curiosity and joy through concerts, musical talks, and special events with audiences like you – each bringing people together through the power of music.
Every performance was made more special because it was shared with you. Our patrons, supporters, donors, sponsors and community partners. Your enthusiasm in the hall, your generosity behind the scenes, and your belief in the impact of music continue to shape everything we do.
Thank you for being part of our 2025 season. As we look back with gratitude, we’re excited to share just a few of the highlights that made 2025 so memorable.
January
We started off the year with our former Music Director, Jamie Somerville. He was the soloist on Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 and our Guest Conductor for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. To hear more about what went into our Beethoven’s Seventh concert, watch our YouTube video with our Music Director, James Kahane and Elizabeth Lowen Andrews
February
With the help of 10 incredible vocalists, an amazing band and the HPO, John Barry’s most iconic songs and scores came to life in the concert hall last February at HPO Performs the Music of James Bond with conductor Darcy Hepner.
Later in the month, we hosted our Intimate & Immersive performance at the Cotton Factory. We highlighted the HPO’s very own Composer-In-Residence, Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s original composition “Bloom”.
March
We partnered with the Art Gallery of Hamilton for our Pictures at an Exhibition performance to transform our concert experience into a musical art gallery. During Mussorgsky’s famous piece, artwork from the AGH’s permanent collection was projected to transport audiences to the gallery setting that inspired the composer.
April
We took a trip down memory lane celebrating the HPO’s 140-year history with the From Bach to Haydn Composer Festival on the Mainstage concert, Nosky Performs Handel, Haydn & Bach. The concert featured Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, which was performed at the orchestra’s very first concert back in 1884.
May
In May, James Ehnes Plays Tchaikovsky hit the Mainstage! Ehnes is a favourite guest at the world’s most celebrated halls. He performed Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, captivating the audience from start to finish.
June
Our Composer-In-Residence, Abigail Richardson-Schulte was joined by the HPO String Quartet for a special performance at Festitalia’s 50th Anniversary Expo.
July
Throughout the summer months, our HPO Brass Quintet and Woodwind Quintet performed weekly on King William Street for the HPO’s second Downtown Summer Series! In partnership with the City og Hamilton, we welcomed hundreds of folks throughout the summer over nine free concerts.
August
Our summer education intensive, Tune Up, returned, providing young musicians a non-auditioned opportunity to give the HPYO a try! It is a fantastic way to learn more about orchestral music and to see if the HPYO is a good fit for you.
September
We kicked off our 25-26 Season on the Mainstage in September with The Journey Beings. We hosted soloist, Roman Rabinovich for Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No.1 with our Music Director, James Kahane, conducting.
October
We welcomed Jurassic Park onto the big screen in the concert hall! Our live orchestra was conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, leaving our patrons feeling inspired by the connection between music and film.
November
Our HPYO members took a mini school tour performing pieces from popular movies, video games and orchestral favourites at Hamilton-area schools.
December
To cap off an exciting 2025, the HPO performed at the newly transformed TD Coliseum in Downtown Hamilton, performing with internationally beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at concerts and community events in 2025! We look forward to more musical memories to be made in 2026.