On This Day in 1902

124 Years Ago

The 10 June 1902 was a significant day in the life of the Glasgow Athenaeum School of Music. The next day (11 June), The Scotsman reported:-

Glasgow Athenaeum School of Music

Dr Edward E. Harper, the new principal of Glasgow Athenaeum School of Music, was introduced yesterday in the hall of the Athenaeum to a large gathering of students and others interested in music. Councillor Ure Primrose, who presided, said that Dr Harper’s appointment was undoubtedly an epoch in the history of the Athenaeum, and especially of its School of Music. They had a Royal Academy of Music in London, the only one in the kingdom [this was actually incorrect – it wasn’t the only such institution], and he saw no reason why they should not have a similar institution in Scotland. Dr. Harper spoke briefly, and remarked that it would be his earnest endeavour to realise the aim of the directors to make the school a thoroughly effective one.

Harper was our second ever Principal, succeeding Allan Macbeth. He was only to be in post for a couple of years, and there’s no record of why he left.  Indeed, we’ve come on a lot since then, and increased hugely in standing. He’d be astonished if he came back today and discovered jazz, traditional music, drama and production arts, film, television and ballet!

I recorded a podcast about Edward Emanuel Harper a couple of weeks ago  – you can hear it here.