From 2004 until 2011 the Elgar in Hereford Group gave an annual award to adult musicians in Herefordshire who had made a significant contribution to musical life in the county. The West Midlands Branch of the Elgar Society has decided to reinstate the award which will now be presented every third year when Hereford is hosting the Three Choirs Festival. The first presentation will take place this year and nominations are now invited.

Candidates, aged 18 years or older, will have made a high-quality contribution to the musical life of Herefordshire in towns, villages and communities including Hereford City, with the term musical life interpreted in the widest sense to embrace the full range of music including that of Sir Edward Elgar.

The award may be made for performance, composition, conducting, organizing or any other activity that has directly contributed to the musical life of Herefordshire, and may be given to an individual, a group or an organization. In the cases of groups and organizations the 18 year old lower age limit will be taken as an average of all those directly involved.

To nominate, visit musicpool.org.uk and download and complete the nomination form, which must be submitted to arrive no later than April 14.

The Assessment Panel will comprise four people, with a decision expected by late June. The award will be formally presented to the winner at the Elgar Society Luncheon on Monday, July 30.

For further information, please contact David Packman by email at packmanpacky@aol.com