Today begins with a scenic drive through Worcestershire, the home county of the great composer, Edward Elgar. With sweeping views and pretty villages, it’s easy to see why walking and cycling through the beautiful surroundings inspired his music. We also include a panoramic tour of historic Worcester.
Our first stop is The Firs: Elgar's Birthplace. This delightful little cottage is entirely dedicated to Elgar’s fascinating life, musical career and iconic works, which continue to dazzle audiences worldwide and include Land of Hope and Glory, Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance. From an early age, Elgar was fascinated with making music and taught himself composition (with a little help from his father who was the organist at Worcester Cathedral). He also led piano and violin lessons from Great Malvern’s piano shop, now home to the town’s Post Office.
Continuing our theme of iconic composers, we then head to Holst's Birthplace Museum in Regency Cheltenham, a wonderful Victorian-Edwardian family home lovingly restored to offer a fascinating insight into the life and work of Gustav Holst. Best known for his orchestral suite The Planets, Holst believed passionately that music should be accessible to everyone. We find out more during our private guided tour.
Afterwards, we head back to our hotel for an early dinner and to change for our evening concert of The Black Lake at Hereford Cathedral – a wonderful end to our delightful itinerary.