Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer have announced an opportunity for musicians of all ages to be part a very special project.
The Elgar Festival – which will take place from Saturday 23 May until Sunday 31 May this year – is inviting musicians of all ages to experience the joys and challenges of Elgar’s symphonic writing in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.
Taking place in the Rogers Theatre at Malvern College in Worcestershire on Saturday 9 May at 10.00am, the Come and Play event will once more welcome amateur musicians from all over the country for a day of rehearsals and an informal performance of two of Elgar’s most loved and challenging overtures, ‘In the South’ (Alassio) and ‘Froissart’.
Kenneth Woods, Artistic Director at the Elgar Festival said: “Elgar’s ‘In the South’ (Alassio) is a thrilling but demanding showcase that captures the composer’s vivid impressions of the Italian landscape. The piece features everything from the famous viola solo depicting a shepherd’s song to brilliant brass fanfares and shimmering string passages, requiring both technical virtuosity and stamina, particularly in the strings, where players barely get a moment’s rest through its 20 minute duration!
“‘Froissart‘ is a joyous romp, evoking medieval chivalry through sweeping melodies and vigorous rhythms. While less technically demanding than Elgar’s later works, it is rarely performed nowadays but exudes rich orchestral textures and the woodwinds in particular have some lovely lyrical passages that capture the courtly atmosphere Elgar was aiming for in his depiction of the chronicler Froissart’s era.”
Musicians from the English Symphony Orchestra will be on hand to give valuable support and encouragement during the day of rehearsals. Directed by the ESO’s associate conductor Joe Davies, the day culminates in a showcase concert for family and friends at 4.00pm.
Previous experience of these works is not essential but it is recommended that applicants are Grade 7+ or equivalent standard. All applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.
For further information and to apply visit Come and Play Elgar’s ‘In The South’ and ‘Froissart’ – elgarfestival.org.
Tickets cost £25 for adults; under 18’s are free, places still need to be booked and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ken concluded: “We’re really looking forward to amateur musicians and young musicians from all over the UK joining us for this exciting project and exploring these amazing pieces with all the participants.”
Set in the composer’s hometown and surrounding areas over the week closest to Elgar’s birthday on 2nd June, the festival is an annual celebration of Elgar’s music spanning symphonic and string orchestra concerts by the resident English Symphony Orchestra, along with chamber concerts, choral concerts, recitals, workshops, masterclasses, street performances, a young composers competition, exhibits, tours and talks.
Since its inauguration in 2018, when it was a Critic’s Pick in both The Guardian and The Times, the festival has doubled in size and scale and continues to grow annually through an innovative development programme of appealing and accessible events, working with hundreds of both internationally renowned professional artists and amateur musicians and performers of all ages to ensure Elgar really is for everyone.