A FREE concert by Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra will be one of the highlights at this year’s Elgar Festival.
Conducted by Keith Slade, the performance will take place at Worcester’s Guildhall on Saturday, May 30 at 1.30pm.
Currently head of woodwind at Solihull School, Keith has extensive experience as an orchestral musician, playing with City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Festival Opera and the BBC Philharmonic.
He is principal conductor of the Kimichi Symphony Orchestra.
Kenneth Woods, artistic director of th festival said: “The annual free performance of the orchestra co-founded by Sir Edward Elgar, offers families a great chance to experience the thrill of orchestral music up-close in an informal environment.”
The programme will feature Elgar, Bach and Mozart alongside 1950s film composer Doreen Carwithen so people should come early to guarantee themselves a seat.
Set in the composer’s hometown and surrounding areas over the week closest to Elgar’s birthday on June 2, this year’s festival runs from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31.
The event 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.
The music of the festival’s namesake will be the centrepiece of a busy programme of 27 events across 15 different venues with three pre-festival events including the relaxed concerts.
The full breadth of Elgar’s work will be showcased, including songs, miniatures, chamber music and choral anthems alongside his most beloved orchestral masterpieces.
Visit www.elgarfestival.org for details.
