Charles W. Jarvis was a pianist and composer who emigrated to Philadelphia from England ca. 1835. He published the opera Luli, or the Switzer's Bride in 1846 and was the composer of songs and piano music. Jarvis was also noted as a teacher and published an instruction book in 1852.
His son, Charles H. Jarvis, was also a prominent figure in Philadelphia music as a composer and pianist. The younger Jarvis was born in Philadelphia and made his debut as a pianist at the age of seven and later appeared as soloist with the New York Philharmonic and other prominent orchestras. He studied music theory with Leopold Meignen. In 1862 Jarvis began a concert series called the Classical Soirées. The series continued for more than thirty years and featured Jarvis as a soloist and member of chamber ensembles. Jarvis presented over eight hundred works on these programs. (Hide extended text)...(Read all)