Come and Play Elgar’s 3rd symphony
Love to play Elgar?
Following the success of our previous Come and Play events, we’re once more welcoming amateur musicians from all over the country for a day of rehearsals and an informal performance in Malvern, offering a rare opportunity to experience Elgar’s Symphony No. 3.
A unique and moving work, the symphony was left unfinished at the composer’s death in 1934 and later reconstructed and completed by the British composer Anthony Payne. Drawing on more than 130 pages of sketches, Payne created a performing version that remains faithful to Elgar’s musical language while shaping the fragments into a coherent four-movement symphony. Premiered in 1998, the work combines Elgar’s characteristic nobility, lyricism, and emotional depth with a sense of reflection and poignancy, offering listeners and players alike a fascinating glimpse of the composer’s final symphonic thoughts.
Listen here:
[Score-Video] Elgar/Payne – Symphony No. 3 Op. 88 FULL SCORE
Practice parts will be available to download from the end of March 2027
EXPERIENCE
The Festival’s Come and Play day has become a firm favourite in the festival calendar and an opportunity for aspiring amateur musicians of all ages to experience the joys and challenges of Elgar’s symphonic writing in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.
A number of English Symphony Orchestra musicians will be on hand to give valuable support and encouragement during the day of rehearsals. Directed by the ESO’s associate conductor Joe Davies, the day culminates in a showcase concert for family and friends at 4pm.
There’s no need to audition, but we recommend that applicants are Grade 7+ or equivalent standard. Please tell us a little bit about your orchestral experience as well on the application form so we can assign you to the most appropriate seats in your section. All applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.
The symphony will also be performed in the Gala concert by the English Symphony Orchestra on Sat 5 June in Worcester Cathedral and any Come and Play participants wishing to attend will be offered a ticket discount code.
SCHEDULE
Registration: 9:30am
Session 1: 10am – 1pm with coffee break
Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Session 2: 2pm – 3.30pm
Play through and sharing: 4pm – 5pm
REFRESHMENTS
Free tea, coffee, water, biscuits and cakes will be available during breaks. Please bring your own packed lunch or plan to eat nearby.
HOW TO FIND US
Malvern College is a 20 min walk from Great Malvern Station. There is plenty of free on-street parking on College Road and Thirlestane Road. Waitrose in Malvern is a 15 min walk for lunchtime refreshments.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the application form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6cdjZht1iSSu7SbBVDxN5B0KRqFIVNwsG62Fsk-j8VDngFQ/viewform
You’ll receive payment details along with confirmation that your application has been successful. Your place is only guaranteed once payment has been made.
For any queries please contact noriko.tsuzaki@eso.co.uk
Admission by pre-booked ticket only
Tickets £30 (adults) including tea/coffee/cakes throughout the day
Under 18’s are free but places still need to be booked and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (also free, unless performing).
PARKING
The Rogers Theatre, Malvern College, Thirlstane Road, Malvern, WR14 3DJ
What3Words: starts.dream.dime
- Parking is available on Thirlstane Road, with pedestrian access directly to the theatre.
- There is limited accessible parking directly outside the theatre, which must be pre‑booked in advance to guarantee availability.