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 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 path from the car park down to the hall is quite steep). There is also some 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.
Branch Contact
TBC
Programme for 2024
Saturday, 27 January 2024, 2.30 pm Michael Trott - ‘Anne Greening’
Saturday, 17 February 2024, 1.00 pm for 1.30 pm Annual Branch Lunch
The Elgar Society WMB annual branch lunch is always well received. Details and booking form were included with the Winter 2023/24 edition of the West Midlands Branch Newsletter or can be downloaded from the above link. Closing date for bookings is 9th Feb 2024
Saturday, 16 March 2024, 2.30 pm Tom Higgins ‘Arranging Elgar for Military Band’
Saturday, 13 April 2024, 2.30 pm AGM and Members introducing a favourite Elgar piece
Saturday, 11 May 2024, 2.30 pm Andrew Dalton ‘Billy Reed’
Saturday, 15 June 2024, 2.30 pm The Albeo Trio at The Firs
The Albeo trio: Anwen Mai Thomas (harp), Lloyd Hampton (flute) and Emily Clark (viola)) is a dynamic harp trio formed by current members and alumni of the Royal Academy of Music. The Firs – Elgar’s Birthplace, Crown East Lane, Worcester WR2 6RH
Friday, 2 August 2024, 11.00 am Three Choirs Festival Lecture: Dr Roger Allen ‘The Kingdom’ at Worcester RGS
The annual Elgar Society event at the Three Choirs will be a talk by Dr Roger Allen on The Apostles and The Kingdom. This will precede the Festival performance of the latter work on Saturday, 3 August. Godfrey Brown Theatre, Worcester Royal Grammar School, Upper Tything, Worcester WR1 1HP (map to be added)
Tickets from the Three Choirs Festival Box Office
Friday, 2 August 2024 12.45 pm Three Choirs Festival Lunch at Worcester RGS
A three-course lunch will follow at Perrins Hall, Worcester Royal Grammar School, Upper Tything, Worcester WR1 1HP (map to be added)
Tickets from the Three Choirs Festival Box Office
Saturday 14 September 2024 2.30 pm Jacqueline Edwards ‘England’s Britannia : Dame Clara Butt at The Firs
Jacqui discusses and illustrates the life and career of her distant ancestor, the celebrated Edwardian contralto for whom Sir Edward Elgar composed a number of works including his song cycle ‘Sea Pictures’. The Firs – Elgar’s Birthplace, Crown East Lane, Worcester WR2 6RH
Saturday, 12 October 2024, 2.30 pm Dan Bartlett - ‘A look at Elgar’s mysterious Dorabella Cipher’
Elgar Society member, Dan Bartlett, is convinced that he has found the solution to knowing what was in Elgar’s mind when he encoded the mysterious letter to Dora Penny, and what it contained. Holy Trinity
Saturday, 9 November 2024, 2.30 pm James Lancelot - ‘The Elgar Organ Sonata’ at Great Malvern Priory
The well-known organist, James Lancelot, will talk on Elgar Organ Sonata which he will play for us afterwards. Great Malvern Priory (details to be determined but it is expected that admission will be free with a retiring collection)
Saturday, 7 December 2024, 2.30 pm - To be aranged
Details will be added when finalised