West Midlands
It is generally agreed that the Elgar Society began its life in Worcester and Malvern in 1951 and the West Midlands Branch has continued to flourish since then. We have a membership of approximately 180, second only to London. We are also fortunate in being the ‘home’ Branch of the Elgar Birthplace with which we maintain a close relationship. In common with other Branches of the Society, we hold a regular program of talks and recitals.
In addition to our events program, we also publish a twice-yearly Newsletter which is distributed to members by post or email depending on their preference. We feel that this is an excellent way of communicating with our membership, especially to those who find it difficult to travel.
Venues: Unless noted otherwise, all Branch meetings take place in Link Top, Malvern, at Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1 North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4LR. This has excellent facilities and ample space. The hall has disabled access and is close to bus services; Malvern Link Train Station; and car parking. Members and non-members of the Elgar Society are most welcome to any meeting.
Car Parking: Free parking is available in the MHDC car parks in Newtown Road. The main one is near the hall and there is another, smaller one, opposite Cox’s Outfitters. You are also welcome to use the Holy Trinity Church car park, which can be accessed from Worcester Road (Note that the main path from the car park down to the hall is quite steep but there is a second option via Trinity Road that is less steep). There is also ample on-street parking in Trinity Road and Hornyold Road.
Charges: There is no charge to attend meetings at Holy Trinity, but a donation from non-members would be welcome. For meetings at The Firs, free admission is available for members of the National Trust and the Elgar Society. Three Choirs Festival meetings should be booked via the Three Choirs box office.
Directions: When coming from Great Malvern turn off the A.449 (Great Malvern – Worcester road) at the traffic lights for Leigh Sinton B.4503 and West Malvern.
The what3words address below refers to the pedestrian gate to the hall. Click on the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it: https://w3w.co/ramp.owner.theme
Branch Contact
Wendy Hill.
Email: west.midlands@elgarsociety.org
Programme for the remainder of 2025
Thursday, 31 July 2025, 11:30am. Three Choirs Festival Lecture - “Elgar the Symphonist and the Challenge of Absolute Music”.
Thursday, 31 July 2025, 11:30am. (Note change of date from earlier listing)
The Elgar Society Lecture at the 3choirs Festival will be given by Sir David Eastwood, former Chancellor of Birmingham University. Sir David will talk about what makes Elgar’s symphonies so distinctive. His talk will be followed by the Elgar Society lunch. The event starts at 11.30 am and concludes at 2.15 pm. Ticket price is £38.00 for both events. Tickets are only available from the 3Choirs box office (www.3choirs.org) or 01452 768928 from 16 April 2025.
The Green Dragon Hotel, 44-46 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9BG.
Saturday 20 September 2025, 2.30 pm Stuart Freed “The Cello Concerto”.
Saturday 20 September 2025, 2.30 pm
Elgar Society Chairman, Stuart Freed, will give an illustrated talk on the cello concerti written by various composers but with especial references to those of Dvorak and Elgar.
Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1 North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4LR
Saturday, 18 October 2025, 2.30 pm Daniel Grimley ‘A Tale of Three Concertos: Elgar, Delius, and Beatrice Harrison’
Saturday, 18 October 2025, 2.30 pm
Elgar scholar Dan Grimley will consider the role played by the cellist Beatrice Harrison in the composition and performance of three works: the Cello Concertos by Elgar and Delius, and Delius’s Double Concerto (which he wrote for Beatrice and her sister, May Harrison). The talk will assess Beatrice’s creative contribution, as well as Elgar and Delius’s compositional approach to the format.
Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1 North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4LR
Saturday, 15 November 2025, 2.30 pm Roger Allen ‘The musical equivalent of St. Pancras Station?’
Saturday, 15 November 2025, 2.30 pm
Our musicologist, Dr Roger Allen, will discuss Edward Elgar, Thomas Beecham, and Symphony No.1.
Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1 North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4LR
Saturday, 6 December 2025, 2.30 pm Ken Crump ‘When I was at the Asylum - Elgar and Powick’
Saturday, 6 December 2025, 2.30 pm
Ken Crump served for many years on the medical team of Powick mental hospital, where Elgar was bandmaster from 1879 to 1884. Elgar wrote several pieces to be performed by the staff, usually for an esoteric combination of instruments.
Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1 North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4LR