ELGAR enthusiasts should blank Sunday from their diaries and spend the day from 1pm at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

The timing is apt as Monday is the 70th anniversary of the composer's death.

Along with talks by experts on Sir Edward's reputation and his massive recorded legacy, there will be an opportunity to hear one of his finest compositions in a rarely heard format and two comparatively neglected chamber works.

According to legend, the atmosphere of his Piano Quintet was partly inspired by a group of sinister trees near the cottage Elgar had rented.

These were said to be Spanish monks who were turned into dead trees while practising black magic.

Many think parts of the String Quartet were inspired by the same story.

The celebrated Sorrel Ensemble will play both works, accompanying David Owen Norris in the Quintet. Owen Norris is particularly associated with Elgar's piano music and he rounds off the day with a piano transcription of the First Symphony.

Even those who are familiar with the magical twists and turns of the great and noble theme that runs through Elgar's symphony are likely to find new aspects in the piano version.

The afternoon programme begins with Elgar biographer Simon Mundy discussing the composer's reputation two generations after his death and Elgar's recordings of his own music.

Elgar was a masterly conductor and his versions still leave most of his rivals at the starting gate.

There will be no shortage of Elgar commemorations this year, but Sunday's promises to be one of the most intriguing. The box office is on 01584 878141.