Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra
Just My Bill
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This extract from a newspaper article from the 1890s throws some light on William Henry Cross, the first conductor of the "Phil" under its new name (adopted in 1884). The article was supplied by Margaret Hall, an Australian descendant of Mr Cross, and reads: "Although the composer is doubtless known, at least by repute, to most of those who will read this notice, perhaps everyone is not aware that Mr. Cross is not actually a native of Huddersfield, having been born in Liverpool, on the 12th December, 1857. In 1869 he accompanied his family to Huddersfield, and in 1874 joined the Philharmonic Society as flautist, studying instrumental music under its esteemed founder and conductor the late Rev. J. Thomas, through whose advice it was that he resolved to devote himself to music as a profession. |
"With such success did he pursue his studies that in 1877 he obtained the appointment of music and band-master to the famous Liverpool Blue Coat Hospital, where he remained until 1884. Returning to Huddersfield in 1883, at the time of the Exhibition in connection with the New Technical School, at the request of the Committee (in collaboratiom with Mr. W.T. Hawkins), he wrote an operetta entitled "Vigilant Detectives", of which some nine or ten performances were given with immense success.
"Encouraged by the favourable reception of his first venture Mr Cross followed it up with a more ambitious venture in the form of another operetta, "Birds of Prey", which was produced April 8th, 1884, at the Victoria Hall, for the benefit of the Infirmary, but was withdrawn after the first performance on account of the libretto. So far as the music was concerned, it showed a marked advance and gave evidence of a gift of melody and skill and resource in orchestral writing, which justified the hope of still greater things from the pen of the composer.
"On the death of Mr Thomas in the spring of 1884, Mr. Cross accepted the post of conductor to the Philharmonic Society, which he held for about five years, and in the same year on the resignation of Mr. Joshua Marshall was appointed conductor of the Glee and Madrigal Society, and also choirmaster of St. Thomas's church.
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"His health having seriously failed him, in the spring of 1889 Mr. Cross removed to Grantham, to obtain much needed rest and change, and after remaining there about two years returned to Huddersfield greatly improved in health. "Having made a speciality of voice-production, he has since devoted himself assiduously to teaching and composition. To the latter Mr. Cross has given considerable attention, and with gratifying results in the composition of a number of songs, part-songs, hymns & a song Fantasia on English Airs, written for the Philharmonic Society's Concert (Feb. 11, 1893), and subsequently performed with brilliant success at one of the Bradford Orchestral Concerts." |
The title? A song written by PG Wodehouse for the 1951 film version of "Show Boat". Mimed by Ava Gardner and sung by an uncredited Annette Warren. (And Paul Robeson did not sing "Old Man River" either. Check it out. Our riddles are obscure, but true.)
Huddersfield Philharmonic Society is a registered charity