Our funding allows the Hallé, home to Manchester’s oldest symphony orchestra, to take ownership of this exceptional Edward Elgar archive and safeguard an important part of our musical heritage.
Edward Elgar's (2 June 1857 – 23 February 1934) music continues to captivate audiences around the world. His works such as the Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance Marches hold a special place in the UK’s cultural life. This archive of 1,500 items includes autographed manuscript scores, first edition publications, correspondence with friends and fellow musicians, photographs, recordings and personal belongings. It has been described as the world’s largest and finest Elgar collection.
Our grant of £104,514 has supported legal and transport costs from the USA to secure the collection as a complete archive, preserving an unrivalled record of Elgar’s life, work and influence.
The archive reveals Elgar’s pioneering use of early sound recordings; he was one of the first composers to embrace the new technology. This enthusiasm saw him open the first HMV store in 1923, where he promoted the gramophone as a way of bringing music to more people. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in 1931 at the opening of EMI Studios, now known as Abbey Road Studios.
Arthur Reynolds, Chairman of the North American Branch of the Elgar Society and creator of the archive, chose to gift it to the Hallé because of the orchestra’s longstanding connection to Elgar. Hans Richter (4 April 1843 – 5 December 1916), one of the Hallé’s principal conductors, championed Elgar’s music early in his career and introduced it to wider audiences. Later, Sir Mark Elder, Music Director of the Hallé from 2000 – 2024, strengthened the orchestra’s association with Elgar through his acclaimed interpretations and performances.
Visitors can view the collection at the Bridgewater Hall by appointment. The Hallé will add Mr Reynolds’ detailed catalogue to the Connecting Manchester's Music Archives website, enabling people to explore what’s in the archive. It also plans to feature pieces from the collection in future exhibitions and create a permanent, fully accessible archive.
This grant demonstrates the breadth of heritage we protect, from historic landscapes and buildings to archives that tell the story of the UK’s cultural achievements. Find out more about the collection we’ve saved for you.