The British Musical Biography

[E] Torrington, Frederick Herbert, con-
ductor, organist, violinist, and pianist, born
at Dudley, Worcestershire, October 20, 1837.
His early studies were under local teachers,
and he was afterwards articled to Mr. James
Fitzgerald, of Kidderminster. In 1853, he
was appointed organist and choirmaster at
St. Anne's, Bewdley ; and in 1856 he left
England for Montreal, Canada, where he
became organist of Great St. James's Church,
an office he held for twelve years. While
there he was solo violinist, leader of orches-
tras, conductor, and for a time bandmaster
of the 25th Regiment, King's Own Borderers,
organ recitalist, etc. He was invited to furnish
an orchestral contingent to represent Canada
at the Peace Jubilee, Boston, in 1872 ; and
was offered and accepted the position of or-
ganist and music director at King's Chapel,
Boston, remaining there four years, teaching
at the New England Conservatory of Music,
and being one of the first violins in the Har-
vard Symphony, Handel and Haydn, and other
societies. Gave recitals at Plymouth Church,
Brooklyn (Ward Beecher's). In 1873 he ac-
cepted the post of organist and choir-master
at the Metropolitan Church, Toronto, Canada,
and conductor of the Toronto Philharmonic
Society, holding both appointments to the
present time. By his energy and skill the
musical resources of the district were developed
and in 1886 the first Toronto Festival
was held under his direction. Since that
time he has introduced many important cona-
positions. He founded the Toronto College
of Music in 1888, of which he has been musi-
cal director to the present time, doing much
for the cause of musical education. In 1891,
he made a tour of Europe, visiting the great
music schools and studying their organiza-
tions. He conducted the festival at the in-
auguration of the new Massey Music Hall,
Toronto, June, 1894 ; the Jubilee performance
of " Elijah," Massey Hall, November 28, 1896,
and is actively engaged in promoting the
cause of music in Canada. He has composed
church services, hymn-tunes, choruses and
songs ; organ voluntaries, etc.

entry id: 415-R-16