A CONCERT at the Elgar Birth-place Museum, Lower Broad-heath gives a rare chance to hear music composed by Elgar's friend and biographer W H "Billy" Reed.

Violinist Robert Gibbs, leader of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and London Festival Orchestra, will play Reed's own instrument for part of the concert on Saturday, March 1. The accompanist is Kathy Holmes.

"We're so pleased we've been able to arrange this very special recital, to coincide with our exhibition on Billy Reed," said museum director Catherine Sloan.

Reed was leader of the Three Choirs Festival Orchestra for many years and gave the private and public premieres of many of Elgar's mature chamber works.

With fellow musicians, he played a movement from Elgar's String Quartet at Lady Elgar's funeral at St Wulstan's Church, Little Malvern, in 1920.

After Reed's sudden death in 1942, his ashes were interred in Worcester Cathedral, near the Gerontius window.

"Reed's own composition are rarely heard, but this will be a fascinating opportunity to hear the writing of someone whose musicianship and professional advice was so valued by Elgar," she said.

"Robert Gibbs owns Reed's violin, which was left to him by his aunt, one of Reed's pupils, and he has recently recorded Reed's violin and viola works."

The concert is at 7.30pm. Admission is by programmes, at £7, available from 01905 333224.