Concert by The Elgar Sinfonia of London

Event information

Compositions from the earliest works to those of his final years, including: ‘The Characteristic Pieces’, ‘Prelude’ and ‘The Sun Goeth Down’ from ‘The Kingdom’, ‘Romance’ for Bassoon, ‘Severn Suite’, ‘Mina’, selections from ‘Enigma’ Variations and other works.

Narrated and conducted by Adrian Brown

With Soloists: Nicola Ihnatowicz (SOP.) Ben Hoadley (BSN.)

This unique concert will take you in 'musical time' through the life of Edward Elgar, England's Greatest Composer. It is a story of lowly upbringing to the very heights of National fame. A tale of early struggle for recognition through triumph resigning to a long 'sunset' as a composer following the passing of his dear wife, Alice. The story will be told in an informal and informative way as usual by an experienced communicator, the conductor, Adrian Brown

The Elgar sinfonia was formed in 2018 to expressly give live, invigorating concerts of not only the well-known works of Edward Elgar but all the compositions rarely heard in public by this great musician. This includes much choral music for which we have been joined by The London Chorus. Also, music by many other British composers have been featured including works by Finzi, Vaughan Williams and Arthur Bliss; most recently his Piano Concerto brilliantly performed by Rustam Khanmurzin. Many distinguished artists have joined us including Janice Watson and Sasha Rohzdestvensky. The orchestra convenes a week before our concerts for intense rehearsal, players selected by Music Director, Adrian Brown in our home, St Andrews Holborn.

Adrian is a distinguished and respected conductor of British music not least Elgar for which he was presented with the Elgar Medal at a concert in 2020. He always introduces the programme of music giving what audiences feel to be a real insight into what they are to about to hear. In that sense our concerts are friendly and are appreciated in many different ways.

This Concert will, with linked narration telling of Elgar's circumstances and life, proceed from early works; Three Characteristic Pieces and Salut D'amour; gradual recognition with music from Caractacus; his 'arrival' as the successful Sir Edward with parts of Enigma Variations and the Prelude to 'The Dream of Gerontius'; Elgar at the height of his powers in music from 'The Kingdom'; and the 'Severn Suite' and 'Mina' from those years of sunset.

Mina was a tribute to his pet dog, so close to him in his final years.

The music will demonstrate his composing skill and its amazing variety; the Elgar that was always 'there' and unrecognised, growing to the most powerful utterances from any composer. 

You are invited to join us on this profound musical journey.

Adrian Brown