George Reid was an early Australian music director and conductor. He played a fundamental role in the region’s orchestral history before the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) introduced its “Celebrity” orchestral structure in 1936, a lineage that ultimately evolved into the modern-day West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO). Additionally, he was known for directing other local groups during that era, such as the Perth City Band.

George Reid conducted the original Perth Symphony Orchestra and his son Harold gave lessons to Sammy Sharp, Ken Murdoch and Merv Rowston.

Bisset, Andrew, Black Roots White Flowers, (Globe, 1987). p.57

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1920

Last Saturday evening the city was full of entertainment. Among the various shows not the least interesting was that given in the Town Hall by some of the members of the Y.A.L. The show was conducted in a very capable manner, and interest was added by the fact that the proceeds were to go towards the institution of a Y.A.L. stall at the Ugly Men’s Wonderwork appeal. Mr. George J. Reid batonned the Y.A.L. orchestra band, and provided some very spirited music. A couple of good solos were rendered by J. McCusker and St. Elmo Vaughan. Bert Fisher gave a good violin rendering of the intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana, ” and W. Berry supplied some Highland dance selections. There was a little sketch by T. Marie, Chester Bond and George Zeplin that was well carried out. Martin Stott gave a monologue and some Dickens recitations, while Chester Bond made a hit as an ‘ ‘ Sun-Raysed ” schoolboy. The company finished off the entertainment with two scenes from “A Midsummer Night ‘s Dream. ‘

W.A. Family Sphere (Perth, WA : 1919 – 1920), Friday 16 January 1920, page 5

1924

FREMANTLE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

At the Fremantle Town Hall on Thursday night in the presence of a large audience, the Fremantle Orchestral Society gave their a concert. The orchestra, which consisted of about thirty performers, rendered a number of selections, both popular and classical, which were much appreciated, and Miss E. Ross and Mr. Rhys Francis, in vocal offerings, contributed in no small measure to the success of the entertainment.

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 20 September 1924, page 10

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1925

https://purl.slwa.wa.gov.au/slwa_b4792344_1

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The Perth City Band, under Conductor George Reid, will render an enjoyable programme to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon in the Government Gardens, commencing at 3.45 o’clock.

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 2 May 1925, page 2

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1931

YOUTH TO THE FORE – Y.A.L. Band Contest

From comments he made subsequent to the contest it is apparent that Mr. G. Mellor, adjudicator of the Y.A.L. Band contest which was held last night, was well satisfied with the performances he had heard. He said that the standard of the playing was much improved on that of last year and he was much impressed with the band presentation. While some of the individual soloists were not quite up to the standard of last year, the younger players were a great improvement on previous years. Also in attendance at the contests were Mr. George Reid, first musical director, and Mr. Val Smith, second musical director. They too- expressed appreciation of the contest, and in course of a few remarks, observed that it brought back some happy memories of the day when they held positions with the band. The finals for the champion of the league solo for all finalists will be held on July 23, when the championship of the league will also be decided. The winner will be entitled to hold the cup presented by the officers of the league. The contest last night was conducted by Mr. Ron Rees, musical director of the Y.A.L. RESULTS. The results were: — Trumpeters’ Solo (‘Fanfare’): Norman Williams (35 points), 1. Drummers’ Solo (own choice) : Douglas King (40), 1. ‘B’ Grade Cornet Solo (‘Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer’): Billy Weston (35), 1. ‘A’ Grade Cornet Solo (Raff’s ‘Cavatin’) : Norman Law (30). 1. Champion Solo: (”’Neath .Austral Skies’): Charles Thompson (40). Tenor Horn Solo (‘Goodbye, Sweetheart’): Clarie Gray (3G), 1. Baritone Euphonium Solo (‘Melody in T’): Roy Facey (36), 1. Trombone Solo (‘Kathleen Mavourneen’) : Robert Lockwood (33). 1. Bass Solo (‘Flower That Bloometh’) : Em Negus (33). 1.  ‘B’ Grade Duet (‘Ever of Thee’): George Franklin and Billy Mangini (33). ‘A’ Grade Duet – ‘Robin Adair’) : Norman Law and Fred Brunsgard (33).

Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 4 July 1931, page 3

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1932

In 1932, timpanist George Reid, who also conducted the City of Perth regimental Band, took over as the resident conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra when from Harold T. “Duffy” Newton left for England. Reid held the position of resident for one year after which he was succeeded by Nelson Burton (1933-1935). He was invited back as guest conductor of P.S.O on many occasions. The orchestra gave 10 outside broadcasts during 1932, conducted in the main by Reid. “It seems that the committee of the Perth Symphony Orchestra was unwilling to reinstate Harold Newton, retaining the less flamboyant but more reliable George Reid as the conductor.” Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003). P.8

The Perth (professional) Symphony Orchestra is to commence its series of concerts for the season at His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday evening, May 8.  Mr. H. T. Newton, foundation conductor of the orchestra, is at present on leave, and Mr. G. J. Reid is acting as honorary conductor. A large and influential committee has been appointed and it is hoped to place the organisation on a sound and permanent basis so that the public will have the opportunity of hearing the orchestra in fortnightly concerts.

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 23 April 1932, page 5

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A charity concert, organised by the Government Electricity Supply Department in aid of the Railway, Tramway and Electricity Supply Ray, was held in His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday last. There was a good attendance and all items were enthusiastically received. The well balanced programme opened with an overture by the Perth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Mr. George Reid, followed by vocal numbers by Irene Stancliffe. Will Savage, Gertrude Hutton, David Lyle, the Bel Canto Choristers and the Select Four, a cornet solo by Charles Court, violin solos by Horace Dean, ballets by the pupils of Miss Estelle Anderson, and humorous monologues by W. E. Talbot. The concluding item was an amusing one-act play (produced by Miss Pat Hanna), and capably enacted by Miss Muriel Bird and Messrs. H. Bagot and J. Stillwell. Mrs. J. W. Stancliffe was the official accompanist, the hon. organiser. Mr. R. C. West and the hon. secretary. Mr. H. H. G. Clarke. 

Sunday Times Sunday 9 October 1932 page 2

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1933

The musical adjudicator for the forthcoming State championship band contests, which will open at Subiaco Oval on February 24 is Mr. George J. Reid. Mr. Reid has been closely identified with the musical life of Perth for the past 25 years. He held the position of conductor to the Perth City Band for several periods, was the musical director of the Young Australian League for a number of years, and led the band of that organisation on its first overseas tour. He is now the conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 18 February 1933, page 5

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1934

PERTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Mr. Grainger as Guest Conductor.

The appearance of Mr. Percy Grainger as conductor lent a special interest) to last nights concert by the Perth Symphony Orchestra at His Majesty’s Theatre which was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. Mr. Grainger had charge of the orchestra in his own setting of the old English ‘Shepherd’s Hey.’ He proved a Vigorous conductor, and obtained from the: players a dashing and spirited performance in which every member of the orchestra had a share, with special mention deserved by the players of the brighter percussion instruments. Under the regular conductor, Mr. George Reid, the orchestra opened the programme with a powerful performance of Beethoven’s great ‘Egmont’ overture. Its most satisfying work, however, was in Massenet’s ‘Scenes Pittoresque’ suite a feature of which was the excellent showing by the woodwinds. In particular was this noticeable in the third movement in which a wonderfully bell like effect was achieved. The fine legato playing of the strings at the close jot this movement provided a good contrast to the final ‘Fete Boheme,’ in which all the fun of the fair was presented with great gusto. The well-known ‘Faust’ ballet music, by Gounod demonstrated the orchestras wealth of violins, to the extent that a lessening of tone in the more light and graceful passages would have resulted in greater contrasts being obtained. To close the programme the orchestra gave a spirited performance of Glinka’s ‘Russlan and Ludmilla’ overture. Miss Mercia de Mamiel, the assisting vocalist, brought beauty of tone to Mendelssohn’s ‘Wings of Song’ and Logan’s ‘Pale Moon’. As an encore the Brahm’s Lullaby was added. Mr. Harold Reid, xylophonist, gave a brilliant performance of Suppes ‘Morning, Noon and Night.’ which aroused such enthusiasm that arrangements of ‘Liebestraume’ and ‘Believe me, if all those endearing charms’ had to be played before Mr. Reid was allowed to leave. The President of the orchestra (Professor A. D. Ross) announced that at its next Sunday night concert, on June 10, Mr. John Bishop, of Melbourne, would be guest conductor.

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 28 May 1934, page 11

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The next programme to be presented by the West Australian State Symphony Orchestra, at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday evening September 9, will include the overture to ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ (Nicolai), a further extract from the ‘Scheherazade’ suite of Rimsky Korsakov— ‘The Young ‘Prince and Princess’; and one of German’s ‘Henry VIlI.’ dances. Supporting artists include Miss Tess Smallpage, soprano, and Miss Evelyn Landells, pianist. The Perth Professional Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. G. J. Reid, will give its next concert at His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday week, September 16. In response to numerous requests, the first two movements of Tchaikowsky’s ‘Pathetique’ Symphony will be included in the programme. Other numbers will include ‘Son and Stranger’ overture (Mendelssohn), ‘From the Countryside’ suite (Eric Coates), ‘Entry of the Gods into Valhalla’ (Wagner), ‘Henry VIII. Dances’ (German), ‘Handel in the Strand’ (Percy Grainger), and ‘Imperial March’ (Elgar). The assisting vocalist will’ be Miss Lulu Potter, soprano, who will be heard in songs by Mozart and Puccini. 

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 8 September 1934, page 23

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The Perth Professional Symphony Orchestra’s concert tomorrow evening at His Majesty’s Theatre will be the concluding concert of the 1934 season. As the occasion is the anniversary of the Armistice, the first half of the programme will be devoted to remembrance music. Under the conductorship of Mr. G. J. Reid, the orchestra will play the march ‘Power and Glory’ (Sousa, arranged by M. H. J. Otto), ‘Marche Funebre’ (Chopin), ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ (Sir Edward Elgar) and ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ will be sounded on the trumpets. Mr. C. L. Jenkins (baritone) will sing ‘Red Poppies’ (a poem by ‘Dryblower,’ the music by W. S. Fotheringham) , and ‘Verborgenheit’ and ‘Fussreise’ (Hugo Wolf). The remainder of the programme will be devoted to request items, which will include the overture to ‘William Tell’ (Rossini), ‘Serenata’ (Toselli) and the ballet music to ‘Faust’ (Gounod). Finally, the orchestra will take their farewell for the season by playing the fourth movement of the Haydn ‘Farewell Symphony.’ In this number the various members of the orchestra complete their parts seriatim, and, one after the other, blowing out their candles, leave the stage. The conductor, left alone, extinguishes his candle, leaving the theatre in complete darkness. The concert will be given in the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and Lady Mitchell, naval and military representatives and office bearers and members of the R.S.L.

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 10 November 1934, page 23

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1935

In 1935, the Perth Symphony Orchestra, conducted mainly by George Reid, gave most of its performances in the newly completed Anzac House in St George’s Terrace, and one special Jubilee Concet in the Capitol Theatre.

Sir William Lathlain presided at the annual general meeting of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, which was held during the week. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows — Patron, The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir James Mitchell; President, Sir William Lathlain; Vice-Presidents, Messrs- Cecil Dent, A. H. Dickson, R. H. Goodman, A. J. Leckie, Eugene Levinson, W. H. Vincent; hon. conductor, Mr. Edward Black; hon. deputy conductor, Mr. C. Court; hon. secretary, Miss Pixie Pretty; hon. asst. secretary, Miss E. G. Pretty; hon. treasurer, Mr. C. Court; hon. librarian, Mr. K. Jones; hon. auditor, Mr. M. H. J. Otto; hon. concert secretary, Mr. R. R. Jones; committee, Misses E. Crabtree and E. Shotter, and Messrs. D. Powell, R Perrin, W. A. Smith and K. Jones. The  financial statement showed that losses had been incurred at the orchestra’s 69th, 70th and 71st concerts. The next concert is .to be held early in June when, In the absence of Mr. Black on a broadcasting engagement in the Eastern States, Mr. George Reid will conduct. 

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 23 March 1935, page 23

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The fourth concert of the Perth Symphony Orchestra’s winter series, with Mr. G. J. Reid as conductor, will be given tomorrow evening, June 30, at Anzac House. Mendelssohn’s youthful masterpiece, the overture to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and the overture to ‘The Magic Flute’ (Mozart) are the opening and concluding numbers respectively of an otherwise cosmopolitan programme, which includes two ‘Polovtsian Dances’ from the opera ‘Prince Igor’ (Borodin), some ‘Hiawatha’ music by Coleridge-Taylor, Mozkowski’s ‘Spanish Dances,’ and Kreisler’s ‘Caprice Viennois.’ Miss Gertrude Hutton (contralto) will contribute ‘Armez-Vous’ (Gluck) and songs by Travers and Ivor Novello. 

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 29 June 1935, page 23

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INSPIRED MUSIC – Symphony Orchestra’s Concert

On Sunday evening, August 25, the Perth Professional Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. G J. Reid, will give the eighth of its winter concerts at Anzac House. A particularly fine programme include works by some immortal masters of orchestral composition as Wagner, Weber, Brahms, Grieg and Coleridge-Taylor. The ‘Oberon’ overture is to be followed by the four movements — ‘Morning,’ ‘Death of Ase,’ ‘Anitra’s Dance’ and ‘In the Hall of the ‘Mountain King’ — of Grieg’s suite ‘Peer Gynt,’ Op. 64: and by the celebrated arrangement by Weingartner of Weber’s ‘Invitation to the Waltz,’ ‘Three Hungarian Dances’ (Brahms) and ‘The Procession of the Grail’ (Wagner). That BEAUTIFUL MELODY ‘The Willow Song,’ will be heard in its context as the fourth movement of the suite ‘Othello’ by Coleridge-Taylor, which includes also a ‘Dance,’ ‘Children’s Intermezzo,’ ‘Funeral March’ and ‘Military March.’ The programme will conclude with the overture from ‘Zampa’ (Herold). The assisting, artist, Signor Ugo Mina (tenor), will contribute songs by Verdi and others.

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 24 August 1935, page 23

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