A CELEBRATION of Worcestershire’s most famous son is set to raise money for one of Worcester’s best known charities.

A gala concert in Worcester Cathedral will mark 75 years since composer Sir Edward Elgar died and celebrate the 25th anniversary of St Richard’s Hospice.

The Elgar Chorale will perform Elgar’s The Music Makers and be joined by Malvern-based English Symphony Orchestra and St Peter’s Singers from Leeds, all under the baton of respected conductor Dr Donald Hunt.

All proceeds will be donated to the hospice in Wildwood Drive, Spetchley, Worcester, which supports people and families affected by life-threatening illnesses.

Chorale chairman Tim Watson, who will take the choir on a tour of France immediately after their cathedral concert, said: “We enjoyed an extremely successful and busy season last year.

“Many of these were in venues around the county but we are extremely glad to spend much of this season in our home city, a place that Edward Elgar loved so much.

“We are looking forward to working with the ESO again and welcome the opportunity to perform with the St Peter’s Singers at what should be a very exciting and moving concert, which we hope will raise thousands for a very worthy cause.”

The gala concert will take place on Saturday, February 28.

The new concert season will see the choir give a traditional Christmas concert at Worcester’s Guildhall, and perform Handel’s Messiah in Tewkesbury Abbey and in Pershore Abbey.

For tickets and information on all concerts visit elgarchorale.co.uk