Top pianist returning

A highly-acclaimed pianist returns to the West Midlands to be one of the headline artists at a festival organised to celebrate the 150th anniversary of composer Sir Edward Elgar from April 15 to May 12.

Mark Bebbington, who competed in one of the first Bromsgrove Young Musician's finals, will perform Sigfrid Karg-Elert's transcription of Elgar's Symphony No 1 for piano at the New Guesten Hall in the town on April 18.

The event will also see performances by Manchester Camerata in the first of two symphony concerts to celebrate Elgar's birth on April 28. South Bank Sinfonia are in the second concert, featuring the composer's most popular works on May 12.

The festival will also see Ken Russell's film of Elgar shown followed by discussions with Dr Donald Hunt at the Artrix Centre, Bromsgrove, on May 4, performances by the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers at the centre on May 8 and Humphrey Lyttelton with Tina May on May 11.

Festival chairman Mrs Mary White said the event was in its 47th year and that the International Young Musicians' Platform, which aims to promote up-and-coming musicians and artists, would take place from April 12 to April 15.

She said: "While including well-known seasoned artists there is also an emphasis on the young with North Bromsgrove High School in concert on May 2. People can book tickets and get information from the booking office on 01527 876504.