SIR Edward Elgar’s connections with Stroud will be celebrated by the Saint Cecilia Singers on Saturday, at a fundraising concert for Stroud’s Catholic Church in Beeches Green.

The choir will tell the story in words and music of one of England’s most famous composers and his sister, Ellen Agnes Elgar, Prioress of St Roses Convent, Stroud. The concert includes the world premiere of an Elgar chant, written for his sister to play on the very organ which now resides in the church.

Known affectionately as ‘Dot’ by her family, Ellen Agnes joined the Convent of St Rose of Lima in Stroud 1902. Edward visited her occasionally and they kept up a correspondence which charts the course of Elgar’s growing success. These letters will be heard alongside Elgar’s choral and organ music, sung and played by Gloucester’s foremost chamber choir and its Musical Director, Jonathan Hope.

The programme will include popular favourites, such as Land of Hope and Glory and excerpts from the Dream of Gerontius, to some rarely-heard works like The Banner of St George. The highlight of the concert will be the first performance of For Dot’s Nuns – the little organ piece Elgar wrote for his sister which has been adapted to the Office of Evensong by the pianist, broadcaster and composer David Owen Norris. Mr Owen Norris will be present at the concert.

Canon Tom Gunning, Parish Priest of The Church of the Immaculate Conception is spearheading the fundraising campaign to raise £240,000 to replace the church’s roof. He said “We hope the evening will appeal to local history lovers and music lovers alike. It is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our proud connection with one of England’s greatest composers and to raise some badly-needed funds to replace the entire roof. We hope the people of Stroud will support us for what promises to be a very special occasion indeed.”

The concert will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Stroud on Saturday at 7.45pm.

Tickets, at £10, are available from the Parish Office, Church of the Immaculate Conception and online from www.saintceciliasingers.org.uk The Church of the Immaculate Conception needs to raise £240,000.00 to replace the Church roof.

Donations are welcome. Contact the parish office on 01453 762442 or send a donation to: The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Beeches Green, Stroud, Glos. GL5 4AA.