Pair of Large 19th Century Brass Hand Engraved Plates

2 large hand beaten and engraved brass chergers both engraved to the back in script 'Presented to the Committee of the Birmingham triennial Musical Festival by the Marchioness Hertford 1879' , diameter

The Birmingham Triennial Musical Festival is celebrated as a significant historical and cultural milestone in classical music. Established in 1784 and running until 1912, it was one of the longest-running festivals of its kind.

The festival's roots trace back to 1768, when a three-day musical event was organized to raise funds for constructing the General Hospital on Summer Lane. Following a successful repeat effort in 1778, the hospital opened in 1779. By 1784, the festival became a triennial institution with a philanthropic mission: supporting the hospital through music.

Originally held in St. Philip's Church and the Theatre Royal, the growing popularity of the festival led to the construction of Birmingham Town Hall, completed in 1834. This iconic venue became the festival’s primary stage.

The festival achieved acclaim for its vocal works, often performed in English, and gained further prestige under the leadership of Hans Richter, its principal conductor from 1885. It also became a hub for premieres and commissioned works.

Felix Mendelssohn's relationship with the festival remains legendary. In 1837, he conducted his oratorio St. Paul and premiered his Piano Concerto No. 2. Nine years later, in 1846, he premiered Elijah, commissioned by the festival. The oratorio was met with acclaim and became a recurring feature at subsequent events.

Mendelssohn’s visits also left a personal mark, including a pen-and-ink sketch of Birmingham Town Hall made in 1837, commemorating his connection to the city.

In 1845, the Birmingham Festival Choral Society was established to serve as the festival’s official chorus. This group, still active today, reflects the festival's enduring impact on Birmingham's musical culture.

The festival stood out for commissioning and premiering works by renowned composers:

• Arthur Sullivan: The Light of the World (1873)
• Max Bruch: Das Lied von der Glocke (1879)
• Charles Gounod: Redemption (1882) and Mors et Vita (1885)
• Antonín Dvořák: The Spectre's Bride (1885) and Requiem (1891)

These contributions showcased the festival's commitment to fostering new music.

Note: from Birmingham Hospital, sold on behalf of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity