The Philomusica of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire has become the latest recipient of the Elgar Society’s Certificate of Merit.

Since its formation in 1966, the Philhamusica has built a steady reputation in the local area for high quality choral performance and an outstanding record in the performance of the music of Edward Elgar, performing every one of his choral works, with the exception of The Black Knight.

Society Vice-Chaiman Stuart Freed presented the award on the occasion of the Philomusica’s 1000th concert, during which The Music Makers was performed, saying that the Certificate is awarded in recognition of outstanding commitment to the promotion of the life and works of Edward Elgar and continued, “I am sure that you would all agree, that to have so distinguished and far reaching a performing record as does the Philomusica, fulfils this criterion in as a full a way as anyone may wish”.

Accepting the Certificate on behalf of the Philomusica, conductor Linda Parsons commented that this award is something that will be treasured by the Phlomusica, going on to say, “ I am pleased to be living after the era of Elgar, because it allows me to have performed his music, which those who came before him could not have known”.

A concert featuring The Black Knight is planned for the not too distant future, enabling this the Philomusica to declare a “full house”.