Upcoming Events

An introduction to the life of the composer and conductor Ernest Farrar, who was very prominent in the musical life of Harrogate from 1912 until his premature death in 1918, with the opportunity to hear some recordings of his orchestral music. The talk will be given by Andrew Hitchen, who has a particular interest in Harrogate's musical history.


Ernest Farrar was born in 1885 went to Leeds Grammar School to the Royal College of Music. He became a friend of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Frank Bridge. He was organist at the English Church in Dresden, before returning to England. In 1912 he became organist at Christ Church, Harrogate. He was very active in the musical life of Harrogate from 1912 to 1918. Gerald Finzi moved to Harrogate in 1915, and took composition lessons from Farrar. Farrar regularly conducted the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra. He was also a composer of 38 works in many different genres. On the 18th September 1918, he was killed at the Battle of Ephy Ronsoy. Both Gerald Finzi and Frank Bridge dedicated works to him. His archive is in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

There will be a short interval half way through the talk.

Expect wine, soft drinks, mince pies, cake, tea, coffee and the usual trimmings.

We hope to see you there!