For an organization noted for giving financial support to a man walking around East Anglia with a pole on his head, and another kicking an empty curry carton down a street, its refusal to stump up funds for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar should come as no surprise.

The English Arts Council exists after all within the cosy, politically-correct confines of the current British public sector. Maybe they should reflect that Elgar came from very humble origins and pulled himself up by his bootstraps by teaching himself composing.

Mainly known for the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Elgar was born in 1857 in Lower Broadheath near Malvern. His links with nearby Birmingham were celebrated with an anniversary concert at the Symphony Hall in April.

The Dream of Gerontius will also be performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in another concert in June.

Elgar helped found the orchestra which began its Elgar celebrations in March with a performance of his cello concerto.

Elgar died in 1934, which also saw the death of two other great English composers — Gustav Holst and Frederick Delius.