DONALD Hunt has brought more Elgar to more people than any other living conductor. From his days as a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral Choir, through his years as an articled pupil to the cathedral organist Herbert Sumison at the age of 13, to his time as an organ student, he became committed to the works of Elgar.

His first concert as conductor in 1957 with the Halifax Choral Society of The Dream Of Gerontius prompted the Yorkshire Post music critic Ernest Bradbury to write: "We heard choral features that we had not experienced before." Donald has commented in response, "I think it was meant to be a compliment."

Elgar is his musical hero and, taking an extract from his own analysis of the impact of Elgar, which sets out his lifetime credo, he says: "To my boyhood ears there was so much about the music that told me about the man and his times.

"I went and bought a postcard of Elgar's portrait (he had only passed away some 10 years earlier) and stuck it in the front of my newly-acquired copy (of The Kingdom) where it remained until my original copy was lost only a few years ago.

"Although opinions were moving against the high romantic and perceived patriotism of Elgar and other similar artists and composers, there was something about this particular man and his music that struck a chord in the heart of a young aspiring musician and, whatever would be my musical fate, I was determined that Elgar would be foremost in my aspirations."

That young aspiring musician has become Worcester's most recognised music maker in the contemporary era. With a focus on Elgar, he has performed at the Three Choirs Festival from 1975-1996, the Worcester Festival Choral Society programmes, the 1981 gala concert for the unveiling of the Elgar statue and the 1984 inaugural annual birthday concert, the Elgar Choral Festivals 1988-2000.

He has served on the Elgar Foundation, 1975-2005, and helped the revival of the Elgar School of Music and the creation of the Elgar Chorale.

His influence ensured that Elgar featured some 41 times at the Three Choirs Festivals. As vice-president of the Elgar Society his influence continues to be respected and relished.

His assessment is that he has now conducted The Dream Of Gerontius "more than anyone on this planet" and he has taken his skills internationally to South Africa to conduct musicians and choirs to great acclaim including that of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Perhaps, however, there remain two ambitions, to restore a music faculty within the University of Worcester and to perform the First Symphony and the Music Makers at the same concert as his personal tribute to Elgar.

But his love of music and music-making is such that he inspires others to participate in his projects and by his enthusiasm and energies others join in the unique Donald Hunt music making experience.