Our Mission
To connect our community through inspiring orchestral music and engaging experiences.
Our Vision
To spark curiosity and joy.
About the Hamilton Phil
For more than 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has been a pillar of our city’s arts and culture scene with a mission to connect our community through inspiring orchestral music and engaging experiences. Hamilton Phil 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 Hamilton Phil has proudly contributed to shaping Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
Hamilton Phil is committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility in all areas, including at mainstage concerts each season. The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra serves as the flagship music education program for youth in the area. Your Hamilton Phil 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.
In 2024 the Hamilton Phil was proud to receive the Vida Peene Award from the Ontario Arts Council for artistic and organizational achievement.
Our Values:
EXCELLENCE
The Hamilton Phil is committed to the highest standards in performance and programming, ensuring exceptional experiences for audiences, artists, and the community.
CREATIVITY
The Hamilton Phil embraces artistic passion and innovation, fostering an inspirational environment where new ideas, diverse voices, and bold programming flourish.
BELONGING
The Hamilton Phil creates accessible and inclusive spaces where all feel welcomed, seen, and valued—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience.
COLLABORATION
The Hamilton Phil builds strong, respectful partnerships that strengthen the cultural fabric of our community and advance shared artistic and civic goals.
INTEGRITY
The Hamilton Phil’s board, staff, musicians, and leaders operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, earning trust through responsible stewardship.
Our Strategic Pillars
ADVANCE A BOLD ARTISTIC VISION
CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY
EXPAND LEADERSHIP IN MUSIC EDUCATION
DRIVE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION
ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH
Land Acknowledgement
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.