James Sommerville - A beautiful way to conduct life
by Ilene Elkaim

As you may have heard, James Sommerville’s appointment as Artistic Director makes him the latest addition to the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

For those of us who are less than initiated in orchestral life, his role includes planning, promoting and overseeing programs, rehearsing and performing concerts as conductor, and providing educational programs.  His appointment is yet another progression in a string of career successes - and one that he is pleased is close to his roots. 

Born in Toronto, James experienced music from an early age.  As far back as he can remember, his mother played piano.  For her it was strictly a hobby that included writing pop tunes. In fact, she won a contest sponsored by Simpsons, the famed department store.  This inspired James to take lessons in piano and recorder. 

By the time he was a teenager, James was a professed “music geek” (his term, not mine), and was able to play most instruments.  In Grade 7, on his first day in music class, he was faced with picking his own instrument.  Trumpets and saxophones were all taken, leaving the French horn.  “It was blind luck,” he recalls. “Without realizing it, I was well suited for the instrument in many ways.”

The love affair with the French horn developed through high school. In his last year, he took private lessons, securing their relationship.  When deciding what to pursue in university, he chose the University of Western Ontario’s music program by “process of involvement” - because he spent most of his free time enjoying music.

From this point forward, unique, and some would consider risky, choices foreshadow the non-traditional approach to James’ career management. 

After just one year at Western, he set his sites on studying with Eugene Rittich, first French horn player with the Toronto Symphony. To make ends meet, he waited tables and engaged in pick-up performances.  

After completing his studies with Mr. Rittich, he was accepted at the University of Toronto. But university was again interrupted in 1983, this time by his first job in Halifax with Symphony Nova Scotia.  During his three years there, he complemented his performances with teaching at Acadia University.  This experience afforded him the first opportunity to conduct - for the school’s brass ensemble. 

After those early years, James’ professional performance credits became progressively impressive.  A small sampling of illustrious accomplishments includes:

• Canadian Opera Company (1985)
• Montreal Symphony (1986). A prestigious, successful orchestra that enabled him to tour Asia, the U.S., Europe and Canada, as well as record for international markets. During this time, James conducted at McGill University. 
• Boston Symphony Orchestra (1998). James continues there as principal horn.
• For more details visit www.hpo.org

As you can imagine, James’ schedule is challenging.  It entails 36 to 38 weeks a year with the Boston Symphony and 9 to 10 weeks with Hamilton. He says the demands on his time are currently well balanced, although Hamilton would like to expand its performance schedule.

Taking a position close to where he grew up is quite exciting for James. It provides a life balance not afforded him elsewhere.  And if you watch carefully, you may also see him conduct his motorcycle on local streets!

		Next Page