SINGERS are being offered the chance to perform one of Sir Edward Elgar's finest works at the place where the man himself was born.

The Elgar Birthplace Museum, in Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, is holding a choral day led by Dr Donald Hunt, a leading expert on Elgar's work.

Dr Hunt, who conducted the centenary performance of Elgar's oratorio The Light of Life at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, in August 1996, will teach singers the piece.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for singers with some choral experience to come and join in an enjoyable day of singing in the idyllic surroundings of the Elgar Birthplace Museum," said Dr Hunt.

Three soloists and an accompanist will be available for the final rehearsal and performance. The day will also include study of three early Elgar motets: Ave Verum, Ave Maria, and Ave Maris Stella.

The Light of Life is to be performed at the evening concert at this year's Worcester Three Choirs Festival on Monday August 8.

The cost of attending the choral day is £25 or £18 for students. This includes tuition, loan of music, coffee, buffet lunch and tea. Places should be booked by Monday, February 14.

For further information and to book your place, contact the museum on 01905 333224, or send an e-mail to birthplace

@elgarmuseum.org.

Copies of The Light of Life will be available to borrow on the day, or can be purchased in advance from the Elgar Birthplace Museum Shop.