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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 2008
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 5th January |
"Mixed Bag"
by Members
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This presentation, by members of the branch committee, will feature a selection of words and music with an association
or connection with Elgar. We look forward to what will undoubtedly be a varied programme. It will be preceded by the
Branch AGM.
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Saturday 16th February |
"British Composers and The Great War"
by Chris Condley
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The First World War robbed Britain of many of its most promising composers of concert music and left its mark on
those who survived. In this presentation, Branch Secretary, Chris Condley explores the music of this lost generation
of British composers.
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Saturday 29th March |
"Elgar’s American Friends"
by Richard Smith
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As Britain’s foremost composer, Elgar was often invited to appear in The United States and whilst there gained many
friends and acquaintances. In this presentation Richard Smith explores this often forgotten aspect of Elgar’s life.
This presentation is rearranged from April 2007.
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Saturday 19th April |
"The Norburys"
by Kevin Allen
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The Norbury family maintained a close connection with the Elgars for many years. In this, his latest talk, Kevin
Allen explores the family history and its most notable link with Edward Elgar, the WN variation from the “Enigma’.
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Saturday 24th May |
"Elgar - The Circumstance Behind the Pomp"
by Rod Paton
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Better known for his work in the jazz field, Rod Paton, Elgar lover and lecturer at The University of Chichester,
will present his Elgarian credentials in this programme with the most intriguing title of titles.
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Saturday 27th September |
"The Choral Elgar"
by All Saints, Botley
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Once again the branch is pleased to present an afternoon of live music making. This time we welcome The Choir of
All Saints, Botley, who will perform a recital of choral music featuring the music of Elgar.
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Saturday 18th October |
"Enigma Variations"
by Richard Westwood-Brookes
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Elgar dedicated this much-loved work to “my friends pictured within”. In this talk, Richard Westwood-Brookes delves
behind the obvious and investigates the real nature of his relationships with subjects of the variations.
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Saturday 29th November |
"Elgar’s Ghosts"
by Brian Harvey, Carol Fitzgerald
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“Elgar, Vicat Cole and the Ghosts of Brinkwells” is the title of a recently published book by our speakers Brian
Harvey and Carol Fitzgerald. In this presentation they will explore their subject using both musical excerpts and
paintings.
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For further information, contact :
The vice chairman at the address, email or telephone number given above.
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