Death of Famous Flautist
Death of Lieut Eli Hudson
The death is announced of Lieut Eli Hudson, the well-known flautist, eldest son of Mr John Hudson, who passed away in the Millbank Hospital from an internal complaint.
In the early stages of the war Mr Eli Hudson accompanied Mr Seymour Hicks to France to entertain the troops.
He made his last appearance three weeks ago at a special performance at the Queen’s Hall.
Lieut Hudson was 41 years of age and, in addition to his ability as a flautist at the Imperial Institute in 1895, and has since appeared in most of the leading orchestras.
Eli learned to play the piccolo at the age of 5 and by age 7 was performing in public. He was a founder of the Symphony Orchestra, professor of flute and piano at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and an examiner to the Royal College of Musicians.
He is best known to the public as the founder of the popular music hall trio “Olga, Elgar and Eli Hudson.” Elgar was his sister (real name Winnie) and his wife Olga (real name Eleanor). Both were fine flutists, they toured widely as a very successful trio.
I am a professional fluter having been a member of most of the London orchestras. I write extensively about the history of our instrument and its players.Of course I am aware of Eli Hudson and his many virtuosic recordings as a piccolo soloist. Although I knew he had died as result of having been gassed in the trenches I did not know he was an officer!! There is an inscription to him having died from injuries received in WW1 as you enter his alma mater…the Royal College of Music in London.
He was founder member of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Do you have more archival material on Eli Hudson?
Thank you for your addition information, Prof Brett. I may have short tit-bits about Eli, but no substantial stories up to pres.
I would like you to examine, if you would be so kind, the post here
http://skegnesshistory.com/2008/11/red-house-reveals-fascinating-mystery/
in which I conject that a famous song was written by a member of Eli Hudson’s family of Skegness. Being a professional, would you know whether a ‘list of songwriters’ exists?