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The opening concert of this year's Edward German Music Festival in Whitchurch on 23 April features clarinetist Emma Johnson and pianist John Lenehan. The final event on 28 April will once again be a performance by the world famous Halle Orchestra in the Parish Church of St Alkmund.

Edward German was born in Whitchurch in February 1862. He studied music at the Royal Academy and was musical director at the Globe Theatre in London. He composed songs, orchestral music, instrumentals and operettas. He wrote the march and hymn for the coronation of George V.

He was knighted in 1928 and died in London in November 1936.

The Halle Orchestra

The festival starts with an exhibition at the Whitchurch Heritage Centre of items illustrating German's personal and professional world in Whitchurch and London to be opened by Councillor Doris Ankers, the Mayor of Whitchurch. This will be followed by a lecture on German's operetta, Tom Jones, by Dr David Russell Hulme.

The National Festival Orchestra and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force will perform during the week and there will be lectures and performances of Edward German's music by local musicians and schoolchildren.

Emma Johnson will conduct a clarinet masterclass on 24 April and the Halle Education Department will host a brass workshop on 28 April. Both events will be at the Talbot Theatre in Whitchurch Leisure Centre.

Tickets for festival events are available from Whitchurch Heritage Centre, St Mary's Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1QY or on the booking line: 01948 665432