CLASSICAL musicians and singers will join forces next month to celebrate the life of Bromsgrove’s Bernard Hall-Mancey with a memorial concert at Birmingham University.

Bernard, who died in 2020 aged 77, was a major supporter of both the arts and music in Bromsgrove over the last four decades right up until his untimely death from Covid in April 2020.

He was director of music at Bromsgrove School from 1975 to 1987 and organised countless events, concerts, bursaries and competitions within the town.

However, he will be fondly remembered for inspiring many young people to develop their passion for music to the highest standards.

Bernard also served on the committee for The Orchestra of St John, Bromsgrove who will honour him with a concert on October 1st in the University’s Elgar Concert Hall with a programme that was close to his heart.

Richard Jenkinson will conduct four works, including Vaughan Williams ‘Toward the Unknown Region’, a piece that Covid restrictions had prevented from being played at Bernard’s funeral.

The orchestra will be joined for this piece by a chorus of singers from Barnt Green and Bromsgrove plus some of Bernard’s friends from further afield.

Soloist Julian Hellaby will also perform in Finzi’s Eclogue. He and Bernard were colleagues and great friends as senior examiners for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Other works being performed will be Elgar’s Symphony No 2 and In the South (Alassio).

Throughout his life, Bernard’s inclusive approach to music making won him many friends and now his family wish to invite everyone to his special memorial concert.

Tickets for the concert, on Saturday October 1 at the Elgar Hall at Birmingham University, can be obtained in advance at Decanter Spirit in Bromsgrove High Street or priorbooking.com

Tickets can be obtained on the door, but will be subject to availability.

Any proceeds from the concert after costs have been deducted will be donated to the Stroke Association, Bromsgrove