About Us
Elgar Ensemble
Elgar Ensemble is a rising chamber music collective that celebrates British music and champion the unsung heroes of the 19th and 20th century British repertoire. Taking their inspiration from the Worcestershire titan, Sir Edward Elgar, it is their vision to showcase the breadth and romantic scope of the music of his time and how it fits into the repertoire timeline. Partly due to Britain’s lack of an individualistic style, much of the pre-Elgarian repertoire has been lost or forgotten and it is Elgar Ensemble’s mission to revive these works and bring them into mainstream concert programmes.
In 2021-22, Elgar Ensemble received additional training the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where they were mentored by Professors Carole Presland, Jacqueline Ross and members of the Endellion String Quartet, who were of particular inspiration. In 2022 and again in 2025, Elgar Ensemble was invited to participate in the Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival Summer Residencies where they enjoyed working closely with, among others, members of the London Bridge Trio and Brodsky and Lindsay Strings Quartets. The Ensemble is currently receiving intensive training at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Sini Simonen (Castalian String Quartet) and Alex Redington (Doric String Quartet).
Artists
Charlie Brookes
Violin & Founder
Georgie Davis
Viola
Daryl Giuliano
Cello
Fionnuala Ward
Piano
Nuno Lucas
Piano
You can find out more about Elgar Ensemble by visiting their website, elgarensemble.com
Charlie Brookes
“Creating the Malvern Chamber Music Festival has been a life-long dream of mine and I am so honoured and privileged to have brought it to life in my wonderful hometown. It is impossible not to feel inspired by Malvern and its musical significance for 20th century British music and it is my hope that the MCMF helps to further establish the town’s reputation as an epicentre for culture and excellence.”
Malvern-born violinist Charlie Brookes is the Founder of Elgar Ensemble and Artistic Director of the Malvern Chamber Music Festival. Passionate about championing Britain’s rich chamber music heritage, he established both organisations to celebrate neglected British repertoire alongside the established classics of the chamber music canon.
Charlie studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff before continuing his postgraduate training at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Throughout his studies, he worked with many of the UK’s leading chamber musicians, including members of the Gould Piano Trio, London Bridge Trio, Endellion Quartet, Castalian Quartet, Doric Quartet, Brodsky Quartet, Lindsay Quartet, Zilliacus Quartet and Messiaen Quartet Copenhagen. He was generously supported by the Elmley Foundation, Winship Foundation, Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity, EMI Music Sound Foundation and the Royal Philharmonic Society, and was awarded the Royal Academy of Music’s Eric Thiman Fund Award.
Alongside his work as a chamber musician, Charlie enjoys a varied freelance career, performing with many of the UK’s leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, English National Ballet, Welsh National Opera, Ulster Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, European Union Chamber Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and English Symphony Orchestra.
Charlie performs on an Italian violin by Antonio Pelizon, made in Gorizia in 1810.
Artistic Director
