This year is the 150th anniversary of Edward Elgar's birth, June 2, 1857 and in celebration, the BBC are broadcasting a series of special programs.
They launch with a new film, 10 Best Elgar, on 27 April, in which Dame Janet Baker and Vernon Handley are among personalities suggesting their favourite works. Then radio 3 focuses its initial celebrations over a two-week period following the anniversary weekend in June.
Highlights include the composer's choral masterpieces performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Sakari Oramo alongside performances of key works by the Philharmonia and Sir Andrew Davis.
Other speech programmes complement the music performances including, on radio 4, an exploration of one of the most famous pieces of English music ? Elgar's Enigma Variations.
Labels: 150, 2007, BBC, Elgar
