RGS Worcester commemorates links with Sir Edward Elgar

26 Sep 2016

RGS Worcester and The Elgar Society have commemorated the School’s historic links with Worcester’s internationally renowned composer, Sir Edward Elgar by displaying a plaque beside the front gates of Britannia House, where Elgar worked as a violin teacher.

The iconic red plaque was unveiled by Dr Peter Nardone, Director of Music at Worcester Cathedral, at a special event hosted by the School on Saturday 17 September 2016.

Former pupils of The Alice Ottley School, which was named after the Headmistress who originally appointed Sir Edward Elgar, were welcomed back to the School to see how the AOS heritage continues to be celebrated under the RGS Worcester name since the merger in 2007.

The Alice Ottley School buildings were opened up, with RGS Prefects offering tours for visitors. Elgar’s continued influence at the School was celebrated with pupils performing several of his pieces, arranged by Mike Hamilton, Director of Music.

RGS Worcester Headmaster, John Pitt said: “It is excellent to be able to mark Sir Edward Elgar’s time at the School in this way. His legacy does live on here and we have many young people with
outstanding musical talent. It is rewarding to see our pupils develop musically, just as Elgar would have experienced as a teacher here all those years ago.”

In the afternoon The Elgar Society hosted a talk by Diana McVeagh, an acclaimed expert on Sir Edward Elgar.

If you are interested in finding out more about this event, please contact the RGS Development office on 01905 613391.

RGS Worcester is an independent, day school originally founded around 685, receiving its first Royal Charter from Elizabeth I in 1561