Julian Lloyd Webber to present ‘100 years of Elgar’s Cello Concerto’ on Classic FM

19 October 2019, 09:00 | Updated: 23 October 2019, 10:31

On Sunday 27 October, Julian Lloyd Webber will present a special programme commemorating 100 years of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

Julian Lloyd Webber will present a special programme next week, celebrating exactly 100 years since Sir Edward Elgar premiered his first and only cello concerto.

On 27 October 1919, Elgar took to the stage at Queen’s Hall in London. And despite the disastrous premiere – the work was underrehearsed due to other items on the programme dominating the rehearsal schedule – he gave the world what has now become one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music.

Music in the air: 100 years of Elgar’s Cello Concerto is inspired by a quote from the great English composer himself, who once said:

“My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as you require.”

Music in the air: 100 years of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Julian Lloyd Webber will air on Classic FM on Sunday 27 October, from 5pm to 7pm.

The programme will include a rare insight into the work from someone who has a close connection to it.

Lloyd Webber, who was once dubbed the doyen of British cellists, has played the concerto countless times throughout his career. In 1987, Julian picked up a Brit Award for his recording of the concerto, which is still considered by many to be the best interpretation of Elgar’s great work.

The two-hour show will conclude with Julian’s complete performance of the Cello Concerto, which he recorded in the mid-1980s alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, under Yehudi Menuhin.

Throughout the programme, we’ll showcase a rare recording featuring W.H. ‘Billy’ Reed – one of Elgar’s close friends, by whom Lloyd Webber’s mother was taught the violin.

There’ll also be music from other British composers who were producing music during the First World War, including Delius, Holst and Vaughan Williams.