days before the performance date. It was not sung well but was strongly applauded and well reviewed as a composition. He returned in 1903 with The Apostles, and 1906 with The Kingdom. His commission for 1912 created The Music Makers, incorporating themes from the Enigma Variations, Gerontius, his violin concerto, and The Apostles. The principal conductor for 1912 was Henry Wood. The end The 1909 and 1912 festivals ran at a loss, providing no donation to the General Hospital. World War I marked the end of the Triennial Festivals. See also George Barker (benefactor) - long-standing chairman of the festival committee, until 1843 List of oratorios Sources The Music Makers - a Brief History of the Birmingham Triennial Music Festivals 1784 - 1912, Anne Elliott, Birmingham City Council, All About Victoria Square, Joe Holyoak, The Victorian Society Birmingham Group, A History of Birmingham, Chris Upton, 1993, References Music festivals established in 1784 Festivals in Birmingham, West Midlands Classical music festivals in England Music in Birmingham, West Midlands Music festivals in the West Midlands (county) 1784 establishments in England