A lively and persuasive talk on 8 May by Elgar expert Richard Westwood Brookes, who depicted a social outsider achieving greatness by virtue of his talent alone, aided by a few happy chances which allowed it to flourish. Lacking a formal musical education, Elgar created a great variety of works, some of which were played during the talk, and many of which remain relatively little known. Appreciated by the expert and the casual listener alike, he was never convinced that he was ever accepted by the musical world in the way that he was acclaimed by the public.
Supporting the creation of a great environment for Malvern
