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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 of each month. Meetings are held at Queens College, Harley Street, 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. Visitors and prospective new members are welcome to attend
meetings but cannot vote at the AGM. Donations towards the work of the Branch are most welcome.
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 2009/2010
Meeting time and venue :The branch meets in :
Queen's College,
43-49 Harley Street, London W1G 8BT.
except for those meetings where other venues are indicated below.
The nearest Underground station is Oxford Circus. There is a public car park nearby and street parking is possible
after 6.30 p.m. Please remember that the area is within the congestion charge zone.
Monday, 5 October 2009, 7.30pm
Elgar, Delius and Holst 75 years on by Michael Kennedy
In 1934 Elgar, Delius and Holst died: a black year for English music. Seventy-five years on, Michael Kennedy will
re-assess their reputations today. Michael Kennedy was music critic of the Sunday Telegraph for 16 years and has been
writing about music for 60 years. A noted Elgarian scholar, his books include two biographies of Elgar.
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Monday, 2 November 2009, 7.30pm
The Elgar family diaries by Martin Bird
The diaries of Edward, Alice and Carice Elgar; their scope, background and importance, with excerpts from Alice’s
1909 diary read by Jane Bird. For this talk, Martin will draw on his transcripts of the diaries, and of some 14,000
letters to and from the Elgars.
Change of Venue
Please note that this meeting will take place at Queen's College Preparatory School, 61, Portland Place,
London, W1 1QB The nearest underground stations are Great Portland Street and Regent's Park.
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Monday, 7 December 2009, 7.30pm
Elgar and Christmas by Geoff Hodgkins
A light-hearted evening which will include a quiz. Geoff Hodgkins was a founding member of London Branch and is now
its Chairman. He has served the Society in numerous roles, including editing the Journal, and has written many books
and articles on Elgar.
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Monday, 1 February 2010, 7.30pm
Elgar and literature by Stephen Johnson
Elgar was widely read and strongly influenced by literature, but his choice of texts as a composer has come in for
heavy criticism. Was this simply poor judgement, or is there a more interesting artistic explanation? Stephen Johnson
is a well-known broadcaster whose work includes the Discovering Music series on Radio 3. This evening’s talk is a revised
and extended version of his presentation at the British Library symposium on Elgar, Vaughan Williams and literature in
2008.
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Monday, 1 March 2010, 7.30pm
Elgar: a medical enigma? by John Harcup
Throughout his life Elgar was afflicted by a large number of illnesses. Dr Harcup, Chairman of the West Midlands
Branch, will cast his professional eye over the medical clues and evidence surrounding Elgar’s infirmities. Was he
really a hypochondriac or manic depressive? The presentation will include musical excerpts and appropriate pictures.
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Saturday 17 April 2010,
10.30 a.m. – c. 4.00 p.m.
Visit to Hampstead - Richards memorial event
During the day we will hear talks about Elgar in Hampstead and follow a guided walk to various relevant locations.
Meet at the Friends' Meeting House, 120 Heath Street, NW3 1DR. For further details, and to book for the walk and/or
lunch, contact Ruth Hellen at london@elgar.org.
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Monday, 10 May 2010, 7.30pm
Elgar and Edward VII by Arthur Reynolds
Elgar's lifetime spanned three reigns. His attitudes toward each of England's three Sovereigns differed
significantly. Arthur's talk examines Elgar's view of Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V, but centres on what
Arthur believes to have been a kindred spirit relationship between Sir Edward and King Edward.
Please note that this meeting will take place at Queen's College Preparatory School, 61, Portland Place,
London, W1 1QB The nearest underground stations are Great Portland Street and Regent's Park.
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Monday, 14 June 2010, 7.00pm
Choral concert
and London Branch Annual General Meeting
This will take place at
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EP
The programme will include music by Elgar, and a selection of Polish and Eastern European folk-songs.
The concert will be preceded at 7.30 p.m. by the Branch AGM.
For further information, contact :
The secretary or vice-chairman at the above addresses or telephone
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