THE centenary of world-renowned composer Sir Edward Elgar's appointment as the University of Birmingham's professor of music is being celebrated this spring with a special event.

The Lower-Broadheath born musician is one of Britain's best-loved composers and enjoyed a long, if tumultuous, relationship with the city of Birmingham.

As the university's professor of music, he caused annoyance in the musical establishment and uproar in the Press, using his lectures to address key issues surrounding contemporary British music culture.

The centenary celebrations, organised by the university's music department and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, include lectures and concerts of his work and begin with the opening of the exhibition Edward Elgar and Birmingham on Friday, February 4.

Among the artefacts displayed, most of which have not been on public view before, will be Elgar's wife, Alice's diaries, alongside the full manuscript score of his ode The Music Makers (1912).

The programme continues with two lectures - on Wednesday, February 16, and Wednesday, February 23 - taking as their theme Elgar's inaugural lecture, A Future for English Music, followed by concerts by the Endellion Quartet.

And on Saturday, March 19, a programme of English music is due to take place at Symphony Hall, Birmingham - including one of Elgar's most popular works, Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma).

The centenary events continue in July when the university hosts an Elgar conference, with delegates from Britain and the US presenting research on topics such as Elgar's intellectual background and his use of harmony and rhythm.

"Today, Elgar seems part of the fabric of our national life, but in his day, he caused heated controversy both with his music and his outspoken remarks as professor at Birmingham," said centenary events organiser, Dr Matthew Riley.

"The exhibition and lectures will reveal an unexpected side to this great composer."

For more information on the events, contact Jo Sweet on 0121 4145791.