AN historic building at a city school has had its musical past revitalised for the start of the summer term.

The introduction of a grand piano was one of the last touches in transforming Castle House, overlooking College Green, into The King's School, Worcester's new music department.

And the building is steeped in history, as Edward Elgar regularly rehearsed for the Three Choirs Festival in the building, which dates back to the mediaeval period.

"It has been fascinating to see the transformation of a building of such character into a first-rate music facility over the last few months," said headmaster Tim Keyes.

Modern equipment

"The boys and girls at King's are very fortunate indeed to have the chance to learn, practise and make music in a building with this combination of modern equipment, historical associations and lovely rooms overlooking the Cathedral and College Green."

A window had to be removed and a team of experts, using a crane, made sure the piano was rehoused safely on Thursday, April 24.

The new department boasts four teaching rooms, a large room for rehearsals and informal concerts, nine practise rooms, a computer room and a keyboard room.

Castle House became part of the school in 1901, and had been used as a boarding house since 1902.