Sir Edward Elgar, who rose from obscurity to become England's greatest composer for 200 years, was born on 2nd June 1857 at Broadheath near Worcester. He was organist, violinist, teacher, conductor and self-taught composer. After 1900 his compositions won International recognition, the best known being The Dream of Gerontus, The Enigma Variations, The Two Symponies, The Concertos for violin and cello, and Land of Hope and Glory. He drew his inspiration from the English countryside, saying "Music is in the air all around us". From 1878 to 1933 he was associated with the Three Choirs Festivals held in Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester. The statue shows him at the age of 54 in the robes of a Doctor of Music which he often wore when conducting at these festivals. Knighted 1904, Freeman of Worcester 1905, O.M. 1911, K.C.V.O. 1928, Baronet 1931, G.C.V.O. 1933, Master of the King's Musik 1924-1934. He died in Worcester on 23rd February 1934. This tablet was laid on the Fifthieth anniversary of the composer's death.