At the height of his fame as a composer, Edward Elgar publicly admitted that he owed much of his success to the influence of his mother.
In tonight’s Shed Talk, author Michael Trott tells the story of that inspirational mother, Ann Greening, who gave her son love, security and understanding – the best possible start in life.
Despite her poor background and basic education, her interests were wide-ranging – the natural world, literature and chivalry – and she had a strong religious faith and sense of fun. She epitomised the Victorians’ enthusiasm for self-improvement, and, in spite of not being musical, she played a crucial role in nurturing her son’s genius.
Her confidence and enthusiasm for learning enabled Elgar to turn what otherwise might have been seen as a distinct disadvantage in the lack of high-level music education to the creation of his own very individual style.
Our speaker this evening, Michael Trott, is a retired aeronautical engineer and Honorary Life Member of the Elgar Society. The talk is based on his book, Ann Greening – Mother of Edward Elgar, which he co-authored with Hilary Elgar and Dr Brenda Watson. Retired teacher and keen amateur musician Hilary Elgar is Ann Greening’s great-granddaughter. The late Dr Brenda Watson was a former college lecturer and director of the Farmington Institute for Christian Studies.
Michael Trot’s first book Hubert Parry: A Life in Photographs is also published by Brewin Books.
Event details
Licensed bar.
Doors open at 7pm.
Talk starts at 7:30pm.
Please note that on the door on the night tickets will cost £9.50 and £7.50 respectively
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Wednesday 22 January 2025 at 7:30pm