Our History
Founded in 1951 as the Hamilton Symphony by Drs. Fred Baumgartner, Kurt Lande, and Joseph Bein, as well as Frances Tidings, Harry Carroll, and Al Sutphin, the Butler Philharmonic has remained dedicated to outstanding and uncommon programming. For more than 60 years, our community has thrilled to the sounds of international guest artists, the finest musical talent in the region, and renowned conductors.
The 75 member professional Butler Philharmonic Orchestra typically presents 4 to 5 concerts annually to packed houses. The Butler Philharmonic Chorus, formed in 1997, made its debut at the first Ohio Mozart Festival in 1997. In 2005, the Chorus performed under the baton of noted English composer John Rutter in Carnegie Hall. In 2018 the Chorus returned to Carnegie Hall to perform Maestro Paul John Stanbery’s own Music for Mass.
From 1994 until his retirement in 2019, Maestro Paul John Stanbery led the Butler Philharmonic to new heights. During his 25-year tenure as Music Director and Principle Conductor he helped transform Hamilton Symphony from a simple community orchestra, performing only once or twice a year, to the multi-faceted organization it is today.
1997 Paul became conductor of the Youth Orchestra, which was under the auspices of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. The Youth Orchestra was transferred to the Butler Philharmonic organization in 2005.
During Paul’s tenure, the Guild started – a sister support group that promotes music thru scholarships, funded by snack sales at BP concerts, and social fund-raising events such as the Party of Note and more.
.