As part of Romsley and Hunnington History Society's 50th Anniversary celebrations, a special performance of the Ballad of St Kenelm A.D. 821 is being staged at St Kenelm's School, Romsley, at 2.00pm on Sunday, 3 July 2016.
The Ballad of St Kenelm, written by local novelist Francis Brett Young (1884-1954), tells the story of St Kenelm, the boy king of Mercia, who was murdered near Clent as part of his sister's plot to gain the throne. It is one of a collection of poems entitled The Island, first published in 1944, in which Francis Brett Young explores themes in English History in a masterly and lyrical fashion. The Francis Brett Young Society has now commissioned the local composer Andrew Downes to set The Ballad of St Kenelm to music, using a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of players to bring the story to life. The haunting music and Francis Brett Young's powerful verse make a moving combination.
The Ballad of St Kenelm will be conducted by Cynthia Downes. She will be joined by the Hagley Community Orchestra and the Central England Ensemble and her daughter Paula will sing the soprano lead. Tickets for this exciting and unique event are priced at £10.00 and are available from Paul Share, Chairman of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society, 197, Bromsgrove Road Hunnington, telephone 01562 710197.