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Founded in 1971, London was the Elgar Society's first regional branch. With
some 325 members, it remains the largest.
The branch's annual programme runs from October to June with meetings
normally held on the first Monday or Saturday of each month (May and June - second Mondays).
Meetings are held at Imperial College, South Kensington and take place in an informal
atmosphere, usually with an interval during which fruit juice, biscuits and a range of
merchandise are available. As with all branches, attendance at meetings is free for
society members, whether or not London branch members. Non-members are also welcome
to attend for a small charge.
The branch also organises other occasional events, including visits to Elgar's former
home at Brinkwells, Sussex, and an annual event funded by a bequest from former branch
member Mike Richards.
Programme for 2007/2008
Meeting time and venue :The
branch meets in :
Room 201, Civil Eng Building,
Imperial College, Imperial Institute Road, London SW7 2AZ.
except for those meetings where other venues are indicated below.
The nearest underground station is South Kensington on the District,
Circle and Piccadilly lines, a ten-minute walk away. A number of bus routes
also serve the area. Car parking is available within the college at a charge, or
(as at August 2006) free of charge on adjacent streets after 6.30pm.
Monday, 1 October 2007, 7.30pm
Hans Richter by Christopher Fifield
The first meeting of the new season will consist of a talk by Christopher Fifield, who delighted us in April
with reflections on Kathleen Ferrier. Another famous executant on whom Christopher is a leading authority is Hans
Richter, and we thought it appropriate, in the season that embraces the centenary of the First Symphony's premiere,
to have him review the great conductor's career, in relation not only to Elgar but also such figures as Brahms and
Wagner.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 5 November 2007, 7.30pm
The Violin Concerto by Chris Banks
Making her Branch debut this evening is Chris Banks, the Head of Reference and Research at the British Library.
Her subject is the Violin Concerto, a work for which a particularly rich collection of material survives, much
of it in the British Library; and she will illustrate the diversity of the BL sources and the insights they offer so
far as the creative process is concerned. We look forward to what promises to be a most interesting presentation.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 3 December 2007, 7.30pm
Elgar and Eric Coates by Ian Lace
We mark the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Eric Coates with a talk by Ian Lace entitled Elgar and Eric
Coates. Held in high esteem by Elgar, Coates played the viola in orchestras the composer conducted. Elgar's influence
on 'serious' composers is reasonably clear; tonight's presentation illustrates one of the ways in which his lighter side
made an impact. No stranger to the Branch, lan is a well-known freelance who gives many such talks and can be guaranteed
to bring the anniversary year to a stimulating close.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 4 February 2008, 7.30pm
Elgar Songs by Garry Humphreys
This evening's presentation, Elgar - songs of a life, is by Garry Humphreys, a founder member of the
Branch and a former Secretary and Committee member; it will comprise a wide-ranging review of the whole of Elgar's
creativity in this particular area. Garry studied with John Carol Case and now, having sung professionally for more than
a quarter of a century, concentrates on freelance, writing, research and conducting; and he is a joint editor of the
series A century of English Song.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 3 March 2008, 7.30pm
George Weldon by Andrew Youdell
We welcome this evening Andrew Youdell of the British Film Institute. Andrew stood down at the 2007 Branch
AGM after three years' invaluable service on the Committee: an authority not only on film but also on recorded sound,
on this occasion he presents a centenary review of the fine legacy of Elgar recordings made by George Weldon
(1908-1963), a British conductor not sufficiently appreciated nowadays. This will be a fascinating session for
specialist and non-specialist alike.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, 5 April 2008, 2.30pm
Read Lecture Theatre, Imperial College
Elgar's First Symphony by Julian Rushton
Today's presentation, the latest in the series of Mike Richards memorial events, is given by Professor Julian
Rushton, Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Leeds and Chairman of Musica Britannica. Julian
has written extensively on a wide range of subjects, and members will be familiar with his monograph on the
Variations, his role in the Cambridge Companion to Elgar, and in particular with his work as editor of
the Society's Journal. His title is '... pomphaft in Stile': misunderstanding Elgar's First Symphony.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 12 May 2008, 7.30pm
Wand of Youth by Diana McVeagh
It is always a pleasure to welcome back Diana McVeagh. A distinguished Elgarian and former Branch Chairman,
Diana will look at the two suites Elgar entitled Wand of Youth. They received their first performances in 1907
and 1908 respectively, so her reflections will lie midway between their centenaries. When Elgar was working on the
First Symphony, he reviewed the early sketches on which the suites are based, and it will be good to be reminded of
their genesis and to examine them in detail.
~~~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~~~
Monday, 9 June 2008, 7.30pm
Elgar's First Symphony by Iain Farrington
and London Branch Annual General Meeting
The Branch AGM begins this evening's meeting, and we ask members to take this reference to it as formal notification
under the constitution. After the meeting, Iain Farrington will perform his own transcription of Elgar's First
Symphony, thereby preparing us for the centenary of the work's premiere (December 1908). Many will recall the occasion
a few seasons ago when Iain enchanted us with his transcription of Anthony Payne's realisation of the Third Symphony
sketches. It was on that account that we invited him to return and play Karg-Elert's transcription of Op.55, but we
feel sure, remembering his masterly work on the Third Symphony, that his own work will be even more stimulating.
For further information, contact :
The secretary or chairman at the above addresses or telephone
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