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Until the formation of the Society's Scottish branch
in 1997, the Southern branch was the Elgar Society's newest branch,
having been formed in 1990. It is also the fastest growing. At
first the branch held meetings in rotation at a number of venues throughout
Hampshire but since 1992 has settled on the Havant Arts Centre as its regular
meeting place.
The branch has developed strong links with the local community. It has registered with
Hampshire County Council Libraries Department and appears on the council's Internet site's
register of local societies. The branch also issues a regular
newsletter and has attracted advertising and sponsorship for the
branch from local companies.
Programme for 2009
Meeting time and venue : Except where otherwise indicated, meetings are held on
Saturdays beginning at 2.00pm at the Havant Arts Centre, East Street, Havant, near
Portsmouth, Hampshire.
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Saturday 10th January |
"The Organ from Archimedes to Elgar"
by David May
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By the time Elgar wrote music for the organ, the technology surrounding its development was both established and
advanced. In this talk, by branch member David May, the progress of that development is charted from early times up
to the middle years of the twentieth century. It will be preceded by the Branch AGM.
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Saturday 14th February |
"Elgar - A Medical Enigma"
by John Harcup
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Anyone reading a biography of Elgar will be struck by the number and the variety of illnesses from which he seemed
to suffer throughout his life. Dr John Harcup, Chairman of the West Midlands Branch, casts his professional eye over
the medical clues and evidence surrounding the various infirmities that Elgar endured.
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Saturday 14th March |
"Hans Richter
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by Christopher Fifield
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Members may remember the excellent presentation given by Christopher Fifield on the subject of Kathleen Ferrier. The
branch is pleased to welcome Christopher back to the South, this time to speak about Hans Richter, a pivotal character
in the Elgar story.
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Saturday 25th April |
"Aspects of Elgar"
by Stuart Freed
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In search of the Unique in Elgar
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Saturday 30th May |
"Parry and the Shulbrede Tunes"
by Barrie Jones
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Note: Venue Shulbrede Priory
Once again the Southern Branch is grateful to the Ponsonby family for their kind offer of hospitality. Not only will
members be able to experience the splendid atmosphere of Shulbrede Priory, but they will also hear a presentation given
by Barrie Jones about Hubert Parry and his association with this lovely old house.
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Saturday 12th Septber |
"Elgar’s Second Symphony"
by Richard Westwood-Brookes
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The second symphony of Elgar is arguably his greatest orchestral achievement. In this talk Richard Westwood-Brookes
will investigate the background to the work and the means by which it was composed. Those familiar with Richard’s style
of presentation will know to expect some provocative opinions and many talking points.
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Saturday 17th October |
"Dame Ethyl Smyth"
by Peter Avis
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If all that you know about Ethyl Smyth is that she upset Sullivan by announcing that “The Mikado” was his true
masterpiece and that she was the composer of “The Wreckers”, then Peter Avis’ presentation will certainly serve to fill
in the gaps. This is a welcome and all too rare talk about a female composer of some excellent music and one of
Britain’s less well remembered musical personalities.
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Saturday 28th November |
"Bournemouth Sinfonietta and Elgar 1969-1999"
by Brian Johnston
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The Southern Branch is once again fortunate to be able to welcome Brian Johnston, this time to speak about one of
our “local” orchestras and its association with the works of Elgar. Brian, who previously presented his talk about
Constantin Silvestri, is well placed to give this presentation, given that he was a member of the Sinfonietta throughout
this period.
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For further information, contact :
The vice chairman at the address, email or telephone number given above.
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