SIR Edward Elgar's visit to Greece and Turkey and the political background at the time is the subject of an up-coming lecture.
In 1905, Elgar was invited on a cruise as a guest of Frank Schuster and the commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet - Admiral Lord Charles Beresford.
Elgar's notebook from that trip recalls his arrival at Constantinople: "This was my first touch with Asia, & I was quite overcome. The endless camels made the scene more real than in Stamboul, the extraordinary colour & movement, light & shade were intoxicating," wrote the composer.
Andrew Neill, chairman of the Elgar Society, has done a special study of this time in Elgar's life.
His lecture, called In and Out of Smyrna, on Friday, June 3, will include recordings and live music by pianist and composer Paul Adrian Rooke. The event will take place at the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Lower Broadheath, from 7.30pm.
Tickets are £7.50 from the museum on 01905 333224.
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