Background
Charles Cawthorne was born in Adelaide the second son of W. A. Cawthorne and educated by his parents – his father was a noted schoolmaster and his mother a talented pianist.
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Charles Cawthorne was born in Adelaide the second son of W. A. Cawthorne and educated by his parents – his father was a noted schoolmaster and his mother a talented pianist.
He studied violin under F. Draeger and piano under Gustav Louis Esselbach (died 2 June 1885) and as an adult, music was his great interest, both as a performer and as a promoter and organiser.
He was a proficient musician and important in the history of orchestral music of Adelaide. He was also active in non-professional organisations such as the Adelaide Choral Society, Elder Conservatorium students" concerts, the South Australian State Orchestra, and Minda Home. At the age of 18 he was made conductor of the Adelaide Amateur Orchestra.
He and West. C. Chapman formed the nucleus of orchestras for major social events at Government House and the Town Hall, and founded the Adelaide Orchestra, which became (Hermann) Heinicke"s Grand Orchestra.
He founded the Conservatorium Grand Orchestra which became the Adelaide Grand Orchestra. In 1910 he founded the Adelaide Orchestral Society.
In each of these he played bassoon, and occasionally conducted. He also had some success as a composer of waltzes.
He did much to promote local talent – he was prominent in raising funds to enable violinist West. L. Harris, pianist John Bishop and singer Helene Taylor to study overseas.
He organised concerts starring the great soloists of the day – Madame Albani, Amy Castles, Peter Dawson, Clara Serena, Hilda Felstead, and Madame Delmar Hall. See main article for family details. He has been recognised by:
a plaque on the Jubilee 150 Walkway.