Unveiling of Gustav Holst's statue in Cheltenham

On April 4, 2008 the statue of Cheltenham born composer Gustav Holst was unveiled in Imperial Gardens. The statue is situated in the centre of the existing fountain, now called Gustav Holst Memorial Fountain, near the Town Hall, where Gustav Holst conducted his most famous piece The Planets in 1927.

Renowned sculptor Anthony Stones, based near Lechlade, created the statue and it was cast by Chalford's Pangolin foundry. The plinth of the statue is decorated with plaques depicting the individual planets which Gustav Holst used as an inspiration for his work. The unveiling ceremony was introduced by the chairman of Cheltenham Civic Society, who thanked the late Elizabeth Hamond, a member of Cheltenham Civic Society, who bequeathed £45,000 for the creation of the statue. Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood and Cheltenham Mayor John Rawson was also present. The statue was unveiled by Mark Elder, Musical Director of Halle Orchestra.

Pate's Grammar School Orchestra, played the Fanfare to Gustav Holst, composed by Holst scholar Raymond Head for the unveiling. Cheltenham Bach Choir conducted by Stephen Jackson, sang Holst's 'This I Have Done For My True Love'.

VIDEO FROM THE UNVEILING OF HOLST'S STATUE




PHOTOS FROM THE UNVEILING OF HOLST'S STATUE