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Major Albert Ernest "Bert" Saggers (1899–1966) was a soldier and a musician.
His military history is recounted by the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion Ex Members Association[1] although no mention is made there of his musical career.
Natasha Milosevic Meston wrote of him in a 2017 paper in Fremantle Studies, regarding his involvement in the establishment of the Fremantle Symphony Orchestra:[2]
[It] is undeniable that the orchestra’s first form, the Melville Orchestral Society, had a key figure at its helm; Major Bert Saggers.
In March of 1961, 15 musicians gathered in the home of Major Saggers and from this meeting the Melville Orchestral Society was formed. The group was supported by the Shire of Melville and was presided over by Mr A.C. Brachs. The early evolution of the ensemble has been described as duos which became trios which became quartets which became quintets which became octets (all strings)… from there other instruments wanted to join… so a venue had to be found and so began a small orchestra.[3]
As the group expanded, it relocated from Saggers’ home to Applecross Civic Hall. Thereafter, 15 musicians met weekly to make music together and at regular intervals, concerts were presented. During the early years, the orchestra was conducted by Major Saggers and Mr Doug Robinson.
However, the need soon arose for a dedicated conductor. […]
Bert Saggers died aged 67 on 28 December 1966 in Alfred Cove, and is buried at Karrakatta.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 WX3454 Saggers Albert Ernst (Bert), 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion Ex Members Association.
- ↑ Natasha Milosevic Meston The Amateurs of Perth: Fremantle Symphony Orchestra 2017 (Fremantle History Society, Fremantle), part of Fremantle Studies Volume 11
- ↑ Anonymous, Fremantle Symphony Orchestra, ‘File 7: Concert materials 2004- 2010’, Perth, available via John Leckie Pavilion, (accessed 1 May 2017).