© Maddy Pennock
© Michael Whitefoot
Saturday 9 May @ 10am
Come and Play Elgar’s ‘In The South’ and ‘Froissart’
The Rogers Theatre, Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, WR14 3DL
Love to play Elgar? As part of the 2026 Elgar Festival, we’re once more welcoming amateur musicians from all over the country for a day of rehearsals and an informal performance in Malvern. This year we turn to two of Elgar’s most loved and challenging overtures.
From an orchestral player’s perspective, Elgar’s ‘In the South’ (Alassio) is a thrilling but demanding showcase that captures the composer’s vivid impressions of the Italian landscape. The piece features everything from the famous viola solo depicting a shepherd’s song to brilliant brass fanfares and shimmering string passages, requiring both technical virtuosity and stamina—particularly in the strings, who barely get a moment’s rest through its roughly 20-minute duration.
Practice parts are available to download here:
In the South, Op.50 (Elgar, Edward) – IMSLP
And you can listen here:
In The South (Alassio)
‘Froissart‘ is a joyous romp, evoking medieval chivalry through sweeping melodies and vigorous rhythms. While less technically demanding than Elgar’s later works, it is rarely performed nowadays but exudes rich orchestral textures and the woodwinds in particular have some lovely lyrical passages that capture the courtly atmosphere Elgar was aiming for in his depiction of the chronicler Froissart’s era.
Practice parts are available to download here:
Froissart, Op.19 (Elgar, Edward) – IMSLP
And you can listen here:
Elgar Froissart Op.19
EXPERIENCE
Following on from the huge success of 2024’s inaugural event, the Festival’s Come and Play day is an opportunity for aspiring amateur musicians of all ages to experience the joys and challenges of Elgar’s symphonic writing in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.
A number of English Symphony Orchestra musicians will be on hand to give valuable support and encouragement during the day of rehearsals. Directed by the ESO’s associate conductor Joe Davies, the day culminates in a showcase concert for family and friends at 4pm.
Previous experience of these works is not essential, and there’s no need to audition, but we recommend that applicants are Grade 7+ or equivalent standard. Please tell us a little bit about your orchestral experience as well on the application form so we can assign you to the most appropriate seats in your section. All applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.
SCHEDULE
Registration: 9:30am
Session 1: 10am – 1pm with coffee break
Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Session 2: 2pm – 3.30pm
Play through and sharing: 4pm – 5pm
REFRESHMENTS
Free tea, coffee, water, biscuits and cakes will be available during breaks. Please bring your own packed lunch or plan to eat nearby.
HOW TO FIND US
Malvern College is a 20 min walk from Great Malvern Station. There is limited parking outside Rogers Theatre and plenty of free on-street parking on College Road. Waitrose in Malvern is a 15 min walk for lunchtime refreshments.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the application form here: forms.gle/prE1BCFaEfZKtkaj8
You’ll receive payment details along with confirmation that your application has been successful. Your place is only guaranteed once payment has been made
Admission by pre-booked ticket only
Tickets £25 (adults) including tea/coffee/cakes throughout the day
Under 18’s are free but places still need to be booked and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (also free, unless performing).
Artists:
Joe Davies, assistant conductor
English Symphony Orchestra
